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GEORGE JACKSON 



Sixty Years 
in Texas 




SECOND EDITION 



By George Jackson 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

NOV 28 \dOQ 



Copyright Entry^ ^ 

CLASS a-'jixo ■ 



Xc. No, 



Copyright October 27. 190S 
BY George Jackson. 



WiLitiNSON Phinting Co., 

Publishers, 

Dallas, - Texas. 



■3 

i 



TO 

THE PIONEERS 

OF TEXAS AND THEIR 

DESCENDANTS 

THIS HISTORY 

IS REVERENTLY DEDICATED 

BY GEORGE JACKSON. 



ERRATA 



On page 72, sixth line, L. O. Smith should be L. P. Smith. 

On page 151, line 25, fild should be wild. 

On page 172, line 4, the word such is left out. 

On page 181, line 20, the word don't is left out. 

On page 213, line 19, the word was is left out. 

On page 215, line 20, Robert A. West should be Robert H. 
West. 

On pages 232 and 233, a part of the District Judges are 
l)rinted twice, and on page 233 it should be from 1846 to 1908. 

On page 236, line 12, John G. Wood should be John J. Good. 

On page 281, the first line of the poem to Frank Perry is 
left out and found on page 286, next to bottom line, and reads: 
"Dear Frank, do you remember?" 

The foot note on page 276 should have been on page 278, 
and the foot note on page 278 should have been on page 276. 

Picture of oxen running away with plow and boy should 
have been on page 55, instead of page 60. 

On page 50, line 14, Hewitt should be Hewett. 

On page 210, line 20, S. H. Force should be Kenneth Foree. 

On page 209, line 19, should read: "Then Barry Miller 
was elected and served two terms to 1900; then W. C. Mc- 
Kamy was elected and served three terms to 1906. 

On page 346, lines 8 and 9, should read: "James M. and 
Edward are married." 

On pages 362 and 363, the heading Clayton Rodgers oc- 
curs twice. 



PREFACE 

In writing the sketches of the old pioneers that 
are recorded in this book, and the hardships that my 
father and family endured, and the many difficulties 
that we finally overcame, I have tried to confine 
myself to the facts as they occurred, and I will also 
state as a fact that I am not an educated man. I 
never had an opportunity of securing a common edu- 
cation. I went to school five or six months in an old 
log cabin — the first built in the north part of the 
county. The school house was known as the Bark 
Log College, and the school was known as a Blab 
School. The teacher gave the scholars the privilege 
of studying their lessons out loud. I studied gram- 
mar for three weeks, and became far enough ad- 
vanced to know a noun from a pronoun, and tried 
to parse simple sentences the last week of the school. 
If the reader should find grammatical or other errors 
in sketch or poem, I will kindly ask you to pass the 
imperfection by; and on the other hand, if you find 
anything that you appreciate in sketch or poem, be 
good enough to speak a kind w^ord about it. It will 
cheer and gladden my heart, and I shall appreciate 
it very, very much. 

When I was growing up I determined to secure 
the means to educate myself. But when I reached 
my majority the war came on, and before the war 
closed I married, and after the war closed I found 
myself with wife and baby in a log cabin out on the 
bald prairie, and it was a hard, hard struggle for a 
living. We had four children born to us, and we 
determined if, by hard work and economy, we could 
save enough to give our children better school ad- 
vantages, we would do so, and we have done that 
much at least. 



CONTENTS 



Page 

Sketch of John and Mary Jackson and family 1 

Lionel Simpson C5 

J. H. Morgan G6 

Joseph Morgan and family 71 

The Warners T5 

The Camp Meetings ?5 

The Indians S6 

Wm. Furneaux and wife 87 

Mr. Vivian 92 

A. W. Perry 93 

John Henry Brown 94 

John H. Cochran 97 

Obadiah Knight 101 

David Myers 103 

James A. Smith 103 

The Nobleman (Poemj 112 

Thou God Seest Me (Poem) ; 113 

Isaac Webb 114 

Harrison Marsh and wife 115 

James Kennedy 120 

Judge Nat M. Burford 122 

James M. Patterson 126 

Lancaster 127 

Farmers' Branch 129 

Col. John C. McCoy 131 

Capt. Wm. McKamy 139 

Robt. J. West 140 

Col. T. J. Nash 143 

.John H. Cole , . 148 

Happenings in Dallas Before the War 151 

He dgecox War 155 

Birth of Dallas 157 

Murder of Clements and Whistler 158 

Killing of Dr. Calder of Dallas 161 

Murder of Jamison, Muncey and Wife 163 

Grand Prairie Fight 165 

Murder of Phelps and others 167 

Texas Sixty Years Ago (Poem) 169 

Texas at the Pi-esent Time (Poem) 172 



V 



CONTENTS-- Con/wued. 

PAGE 

From John Henry Brown's History 173 

Organization of Dallas County 174 

Peters' Colony 175 

When I Took the Gold Fever 177 

The Legislature of Texas 205 

County Clerks of Dallas County 207 

State Senators 208 

County Judges 209 

Government of Dallas, 1856 to 1908 211 

Census of Dallas and Dallas County, 1850 to 1900 231 

District Judges of Dallas County 233 

Criminal and Other Courts 234 

Court Houses of Dallas 236 

The Yellowstone Park 238 

Yellowstone Park and Canon (Poem) 245 

Baptist Church 247 

Jehovah Reigns (Poem) 249 

The Rise and Progress of the M. E. Church 250 

From the Alamo to San Jacinto (Poem) 252 

The Last Days of Pompeii (Poem) 254 

To an Old Friend I Had Not Seen For Forty Years (poem) 256 

The Old Man and His Dog (Poem) 257 

The Natural Man on the Ocean of Life (Poem) 255 

The Experience of a Man that Was Once Rich (Po?ra).. 259 

Ancient Rome (Poem) 260 

God Teaches His Children (Poem) 262 

For the Coming Prohibition Election (Poem) 263 

The Storm (Poero) 265 

Ancient Greece (Poem ) 266 

lii This Life Worth Living? (Poem) 267 

Love and Kindness (Poem) 269 

The Park at Colorado Springs (Poem) 271 

Isaiah's Prophecy (Poem) 272 

Midnight Dream (Poem) 273 

Our Little Girl (Poem) 275 

Scotland (Poem) 276 

Ireland (Poem) 278 

To Frank Perry (Poem) 282 

The Neglected Boys of Dallas 284 

Diary of Trip to England After an Absence of 56 Years. . 287 



CONTENTS— Cow//w«^^. 



Pag!; 

England and Rome (poem) 322 

First Pioneers of Dallas County, (alphabetically arranged) 324 

Samuel B. Pryor, first Mayor of Dallas 354 

J. M. Crockett, second Mayor of Dallas 355 

Judge Wm. M. Hord 357 

John Huffihines 35S 

Charles H. Durgin 350 

John Thomas 361 

Col. George Washington Record 361 

Clayton Rodgers 362 

William B. Miller 364 

Rev. William Allen 365 

B. A. Gracey 367 

Captain Jefferson Peak , 369 

The Military Road 370 

The Sheriffs of Dallas County 371 

District Clerks of Dallas County 372 

The Public Schools of Dallas 373 

The Texas State Fair 375 

Dallas County Pioneer Association 377 

Bird's Fort 378 

Richardson 380 

Carrollton 380 

Garland 381 

Cedar Hill 382 

Piano 382 

Mesquite 383 



Sixty Years in Texas 

The Ancestors of My Father 
and Mother 

Nicholas Amery, of Bridford, England, was liv- 
ing in 1696. 

John Amery, son of Nicholas Amery, married 
Hounor, daughter of Richard Workeilake, of Devon- 
shire, England. He died in 1696. She died 1689. 

Thomas Amery, son of John Amery, in 1699, 
married Mary Worth, of Bridford, North Devon- 
shire, England, and died in 1711. She died 1760. 

John Amery, son of Thomas Amery, of Devon- 
shire, England, born in 1708; married Mary Puddi- 
combe in 1736. He died in 1778. She died in 1750. 

John Amery, son of the latter, married Mary 
Heyv>^ood, of Middle Coombe, Devonshire, England. 

John Amery, son of the latter, married Ann, 
daughter of Thomas Amery, of Barn Court, Devon- 
shire, England. 

George Jackson, of Wray Barton, Devonshire, 
England, my great grandfather, was born 1734 ; died 
1804. His wife, Ann, born 1730, and died in 1814. 

George Jackson, my grandfather, son of the 
above, of Devonshire, England, was born in 1764, 
and died in 1853. 

John Jackson, my father, second son of the latter 
George Jackson, of Devonshire, England, was born 
in 1807, and married in 1832, to Mary, daughter of 
John and Ann Amery, of Devonshire, England. She, 
my mother, was born in 1808. They emigrated to 
Peters' Colony, Dallas County, Texas, 1848, with 
eight children. My father and two elder brothers 
were granted 960 acres of land, which shows on the 
map of Dallas County, patented in their names. My 
father died in 1866. My mother died 1894. 



2 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The Experience of John and 
Mary Jackson, that emigrated 
from Devonshire, England, in 
the year 1848, to Texas. 

In the year 1847 the agents of Peters were 
throughout England, trying to induce people to emi- 
grate to Texas, said Peters having an agreement or 
contract with the State of Texas to furnish a certain 
number of families as settlers in said colony, Peters 
was given in said contract a certain time, and that 
time expiring July 4th, 1848. The agents represent- 
ed this to be a wonderful country, and said that 
those that got here first and made a good selection 
could secure for themselves an estate equal to the 
estates of the lords and noblemen of England. They 
represented this country as having a delightful cli- 
mate, no chilling winds or driving snows, but one 
continuous spring and summer, with all manner of 
fruits and wild game in abundance, clear and beau- 
tiful streams of water, with plenty of fish. 

My father, having a brge family and a very little 
of this world's goods, decided to emigrate to Texas 
to secure land for his boys, Stewardsville being the 
objective point, and represented by the agents as 
bein« the capital of Peters Colony, and headquarters 
of the land agents, and all information concerning 
the colony could be had at Stewardsville. Early in 
1848 we took ship at Liverpool in the Gypsy Queen. 
The 1st of March we bade farewell to our dear 
friends, and left the shores of Merry England for 
the western wilds of a new world. My mother was 
a weak and frail little woman, with a large family, 
several small children and a baby in her arms, and 




JOHN JACKSON, SR. 




MRS. MARY AMERY JACKSON 



Sixty Years in Texas. 7 

as the shores of old England faded away in the dis- 
tance we could see the tears in Mother's eyes, as she 
called her little group of children around her and 
asked the Lord to have mercy on us. No boy would 
ever run away from home that had a mother like 
mine. She was kind and loving, thoughtful and com- 
passionate, and her whole life seemed to be wrapped 
up in the welfare of her children. We were nine 
long weeks on the sea, sometimes violently tossed 
about on the bosom of the great deep, and at other 
times still and calm, with great fishes swimming 
about and around our ship. We landed safely at 
New Orleans; but before we reached there many of 
our passengers had almost given up all hope of ever 
seeing land again. 

We did not remain long in New Orleans, only a 
few days, and then took a steamboat for Shreveport, 
and in a few days we reached that place, and before 
we made the landing the negroes gathered around 
and stood up in a semi-circle and sang negro songs. 
That was very amusing to us. We landed and se- 
cured quarters, but it was here our troubles began. 
No railroads, no stage coaches, and there seemed to 
be no way for us to get to Stewardsville, and we 
could not find any one that had ever heard of the 
place. Some of the people tried to persuade my 
father to go to some of the Middle States. They told 
him this was a wild country, inhabited only with 
roving bands of wild Indians, and wild animals. But 
nothing discouraged him. He was determined to go 
to Stewardsville in some way. There was a man in 
Shreveport from Southwest Texas that was the hap- 
py owner of three yoke of long-horn Texas steers and 
a schooner wagon, and he made my father believe 
that they were the very thing for him to move to 
Texas with, and they soon made a bargain. The 



8 Sixty Years in Texas. 

money was paid, and the team, wagon and whip were 
turned over to my father, and all of our earthly pos- 
sessions were dumped into the wagon. My father 
had never driven oxen. He could drive a quill; he 
could compose an article or write a deed equal to 
most of the lawyers of Dallas ; but he had never taken 
the lirst lesson in ox driving. But he said he could 
do what other people had done. I can see those 
oxen now, as they stood there then, headed towards 
the setting sun. Since that time I have handled 
thousands. I have driven them to Kansas, and driven 
them to Colorado. I have herded them on the plains, 
and chased them over the prairies of Texas for thirty 
long years. But very few of them that I should 
know now if I should meet them in the middle of the 
big road; but that three yoke of oxen are as plain 
before my vision now as they were on that eventful 
day more than sixty years ago. I can see their long, 
twisting horns. I see their exact color, and well do 
I remember their names. I was a lad then of ten 
summers, and can remember how my father looked 
trying to handle that whip. It had a long, tapering 
lash and gentle, yielding stock. It was such a whip 
as the expert ox driver loves to handle. My mother 
was invited to take a seat in the wagon, but she de- 
clined. After some persuasion she agreed to if the 
end gate vv^as removed, so she could have some means 
of escape if the team became unruly. 

Now, all ready. My father, with his long whip 
and tall hat, was ready to make the start. They do 
not talk to oxen in the Old Country as they do here. 
For "gee" there they say "wog," and for '"haw" it 
is "come hither." My father, with his long whip in 
hand, said, "Wog, Dick!" and off they start, and he 
gave his whip a grand flourish, and called out, "Come 
hither, Darb !" But the whip twisted around his tall 



1 JT 




^ ^ *i , ? ' ,^ 



Sixty Years in Texas. 11 

hat, and the team went hilter and skilter, and soon 
hooked on to a tree, and my mother jumped out with 
the baby and pulled the other children after her, and 
exclaimed, "Good gracious ! We have survived all 
the dangers of the raging deep only to be landed in 
the wilderness to have all our bones broken. John, I 
am afraid we will never reach Stewardsville alive 
with that team; they are wild as buffaloes." And 
my father decided he would lay the whip away in 
the wagon, he said, to be used in the future, when 
he had reached a more advanced stage in the science 
of ox driving, and he prepared himself with a stick 
about ten feet long and about the size of a walking 
stick, and put a sharp piece of iron in one end, and 
filed it out as sharp as a tack. He called it a gad, 
and that was a word he would sometimes use, and 
he said, "I gad, I will touch them up a bit with that 
and see how they like it." 

My father armed my two older brothers with 
hickory clubs about four feet long, and put one in 
front and the other on the off side, and again in- 
vited Mother to take a seat in the wagon ; but Moth- 
er declined the invitation, Vv^hen Father assured her 
there was no danger. He said, "We have them sur- 
rounded and can certainly hold them in position." 
But Mother shook her head, and another start was 
made, and Father and the boys herded them along 
through the deep sand, and Mother followed, carry- 
ing the baby and two or three of the small children 
hanging to her skirts. But they were soon tired out. 
The team was stopped, and they again got in the 
wagon, and Father and the boys herded them along 
through the deep sand, and the first day we made 
about an eight-mile drive, and when night came we 
struck camp, and Father secured a room at a farm 
house for Mother and the children, but we did not 



12 Sixty Years in Texas. 

know what to do with the oxen. We were afraid to 
take the yokes off, fearing that we would not get 
them properly adjusted in the morning; so we 
turned them loose with the yokes on, and camped 
out for the first time in our lives. Mother said she 
was afraid the people would think we were Gypsies. 

The morning came, but there were no oxen in 
sight. Father and the boys went out to search for 
them, and were out a long time, but late in the 
evening they returned to the camp and reported 
that they had been lost in the woods all day and 
found no oxen. Tired, weary and worn out, they 
laid down to rest until the next morning. They then 
took a new start, keeping near enough each other 
to hear one another hollow. About noon they found 
the oxen, and they were all together, but one pair 
had the yoke turned under their necks, and Father 
was very much surprised, and exclaimed, "How 
in the world did these oxen swap sides? Look, Dick 
is on the larboard side, and Darb has got over on 
the starboard side, and the yoke is completely upset. 
Some enemy must have done this. It is impossible 
for them to have done it themselves." They were 
driven to the camp and the yoke properly adjusted, 
and after some trouble they were hitched together 
and a new start made for the West, and day after 
day we herded them along through the deep sand 
and beneath an almost tropical sun, and its scorch- 
ing and blazing rays were too much for us. One 
by one we were stricken down with malarial fever 
and dumped into the schooner wagon. Svv^arms of 
mosquitoes would hover around us of nights, and 
with their poisonous bills suck our blood until our 
fair skin and rosy cheeks were distorted and swol- 
len. In this deplorable condition we reached Mount 
Pleasant, in Titus County, but none well enough to 



Sixty Years in Texas. 13 

drive the oxen farther. They were turned adrift. 
Father secured an old, tumbled-down cabin, and 
Vv'e spread out such clothing and blankets as we had 
on the puncheon floor, none feeling able to wait on 
the others to hand them a drink of water to quench 
their thirst or cool their parched lips. 

We were a pitiful looking lot, and were detained 
at that place for over two months, and one of my 
little brothers died at that place, and my mother was 
almost broken-hearted, and as the cold clods fell 
upon his coffin the tears streamed down my mother's 
cheeks, as she said, "It is hard to give up my darling 
boy, and see him buried in a foreign land." 

Time rolled on, and we recovered from our sick- 
ness sufficiently to make another start; but the lit- 
tle money that we had was rapidly slipping away 
from us, and my mother became somewhat discour- 
aged, and I will say that if she ever had a fault it 
was this — she seemed sometimes to look on the dark 
side of things. But God bless my dear little frail 
and weakly mother. She was true and brave, and 
stood up under more trials and hardships and diffi- 
culties and troubles than many would that were 
physically stronger. She feared that her children 
that she loved so much would become the servants 
of other people, or slaves, and it pained her very 
much. In the Old Country when once a servant, al- 
ways a servant; at least, they seldom rose above 
that station in life. Before making another start for 
the West Mother hung out on the fence such cloth- 
ing as we had, to air them, and one of the neighbor- 
ing women came to her and inquired if she had any 
domestics for sale, and it seemed to hurt my moth- 
er's feelings as bad as if she had been stabbed in the 
heart, and the woman turned away, not knowing 
what she had done to offend my mother so. The 



•«■ 



14 Sixty Years in Texas. 

word domestic in the Old Country is always applied 
to servants, and Mother supposed she wanted to buy 
some of her children. 

Neither Father nor Mother had any experience 
in frontier life. They knew nothing, in fact, about 
how to manage or what to do, and it was very hard 
for them to adapt themselves to the ways of the 
people and make a success as pioneers. Father 
offered a reward for the oxen, and they were soon 
found. Our bills were paid, the doctor bill being 
very large, and left us but little money. We had 
some friends at Mount Pleasant, but the shining 
gold sovereigns were sought after, and seemed to 
please them very much. 

The day arrived for our departure, and our long- 
horned team was hitched together and to the 
schooner wagon, and we again headed them towards 
the setting sun. Mount Pleasant is a beautiful name, 
but we cannot look back and think of that place 
without a shudder. It brings to us such painful 
recollections. 

It was there the live mosquitoes 
Their merry songs would sing. 

And the fleas would dance to music 
That had such a business ring. 

We had by this time become better acquainted with 
the oxen, and could handle the whip much better. 

Our next stop was at Bonham. Before reaching 
there we met several people with teams going to 
Shreveport for supplies, and the inquiry was, 
"Where are you from, and where are you moving 
to?" We would tell them we were moving to Stew- 
ardsville. The wagons were muddy, and on making 
inquiry about it one of them said : "When you get 
up on the high perrari in the black waxy land you 



Sixty Years In Texas. 

will strike mud, it has rained up thar a right smart 
chance of a sprinkle.." 

"Whar was it you said youans was moving to?" 

Father replied Stewardsville. 

"I never heren o' that place afore. Whar did you 
move frum?" 

Father replied, "Hingland." 

"Ah ! Youans is a right smart piece from home." 

Father replied, "Yes, it is quite a distance back 
to the old Country. 

"Say, mister, do you reckon ole John Bull will 
ever try to whoop us agin? Ha! ha! ha! 

Father replied that there was no talk of it when 
we left England. 

He replied: "I knowed youans was from over 
thar summers when I heren you talk. Kase you say 
'Highland' fur 'England.' " 

"Your quick and keen perception is remarkable, 
that you can tell just where and what country a man 
was born and reared in on so short an acquaintance." 

"You bet I can tell 'em every time. Say, if youans 
goes very fur west you'll see Inguns. They say they 
can kill and skelp a man in the night afore he has 
time to wake up." 

"Is it possible? We will have to sleep with one 
eye open." 

We had a good team of oxen and one ox probably 
the largest Texas ox that was ever brought to Dallas 
County. 

"Say, mister, that's a mighty fine team o*f steers 
you is got. Ide like awful well to cheat you outen 
that bigen, ain't he a whale?" 



Sixty Years In Texas. 

Father replied he did not care to dispose of any 
of them. The loquacious gentleman then bade us 
goodbye with a broad smile on his face, and an air of 
self satisfaction to know that he had given us some 
valuable information on the right pronunciation of 
the English language. We were then in the edge of 
the prairie. Father and Mother did not like Easterr^ 
Texas. The piney woods and burning sands and 
blazing summer sun had rather discouraged them. 
But now we had reached a place we could look out 
and see the country and get our breath more freely, 
and we drove our team up on the high prairie and we 
were all not only pleased but we were delighted with 
the outlook. The broad and almost limitless prairie 
stretched away in the distance and seemed as bound- 
less as the mighty ocean, and we looked on with ad- 
miration and delight as the sun began to disappear 
in the west, and looked like burnished gold, as it cast 
its bright and glistening rays across the boundless 
prairie, and looked like sparkling diamonds upon the 
waving grass, and we were reminded of the many 
glorious sunset scenes that we had witnessed in 
crossing the broad seas, when the mighty monarch 
would go down behind the boundless ocean and seem 
to set in a sea of fire, and cast its bright and glisten- 
ing rays across the shimmering waters and multi- 
plied thousands of diamonds seem to sparkle and 
dazzle and dance with delight in every moving wave 
on the restless sea. 

As we looked over these boundless prairies that 
aeemed to be untouched by the finger of man we felt 
like we were a part of the advance guard that was 



Sixty Years In Texas. 

going out according to the command of God to help 
subdue the earth. It was getting late, and we turned 
our team out of the road and into a little glade near 
a clump of trees, and camped for the night, and we 
boys were told to get some wood and make a camp 
fire. We went down to the clump of trees, and they 
proved to be persimmon trees, and they were loaded 
with green persimmons, and we thought we had 
found an apple orchard, and we were soon in the tree 
tops trying to eat green persimmons. Our mouths 
began to draw and our lips were soon puckered, and 
the persimmons stuck in our throats as tight as the 
forbidden apple did in the throat of Adam, and we 
came down from the trees fearing the fruit might be 
poisonous. Then Mother appeared on the scene and 
saw the condition we were in, and said we were all 
poisoned, and no doctor to be had this side of Stew- 
ardsville, and Mother called to our father, "John, 
John, bring some water quick, the boys are poisoned, 
I believe they are all taking the lock jaw." The water 
was brought, and we were told to rinse our mouths, 
and Mother stripped her handkerchief to pieces and 
had us to wipe out our mouths, and there we were all 
standing up in line chewing the rag, and after the 
poison and persimmon excitement was over it was 
some time before supper was prepared, and by that 
time we were all right, ready and ravenous, and were 
able to do justice to pone pancake and porridge, and 
we then spread our blankets out upon the tall grass 
and were soon sleeping the sleep of the innocent. 

The next day we reached the black hogwallow 
land, and Father thought it must be very rich and 



Sixty Years In Texas. 

productive, and declared if we would only stick to it 
when dry, like it was sticking to us when wet, we 
would certainly make a glorious success in life. It 
stuck to everything it came in contact with, and our 
shoes became so heavily loaded we sometimes felt like 
Vv^e were rooted to the spot, and we often thought of 
the talkative man that spoke the English language so 
perfectly and said it had rained a right smart chance 
of a sprinkle. 

We again went into camp very early. We were 
all very tired, both man and beast. My oldest 
brother, John, then fourteen years old, was the chief 
cook and bottle washer. He decided to boil some rice 
for supper, and not being acquainted with the ex- 
pansive nature of the rice, he put too much in the 
large coffee pot, the only suitable vessel we had to 
boil it in, and it soon began to swell and expand and 
come out of the top of the pot, and he filled all the tin 
cups and then called for the water bucket ; but it still 
continued to come out of the pot like the widow's bar- 
rel of meal and the cruse of oil, we thought it would 
never fail, and John said, "Mother, don't you think 
we had better try to trade a part of this rice for 
something that won't swell up so much? We have 
enough to last us for a camping trip around the 
world, and it's still coming out of the top of the pot. 
I will call supper," said John, "and see if this bounti- 
ful supply can be reduced. Now, come around and 
give honor to the cook, and all eat rice. But if it 
still continues swelling there might be danger." 

We moved out of camp the next morning with 
enough cooked and half cooked rice to last us for the 
balance of the trip. The black mud still sticky in 
some places, and we again thought of the 
scholarly gentleman that spoke the English 
language so perfectly and said, "When you 
get up on the high perari in black waxie land you 



Sixty Years in Texas. 15 

will strike mud ; it has rained up thar a right smart 
chance of a sprinkle." When we reached Fort Bon- 
hani there were squads of Indians camped around 
that place, and they looked like horrible creatures 
to us, and we wondered if they were the kind of 
neighbors we were going to have when we reached 
Stewardsville. We could hear nothing of that place 
at Bonham, and my father decided he had better 
leave the family at that place and go West in search 
of the lost city. He bought a nice white pony, and 
dressed him up with a red leather bridle and a 
jockey saddle that we brought from the Old Coun- 
try. He bade the family good-bye, mounted his 
white palfrey and headed for the West. There were 
no settlements, scarcely, between Bonham and the 
Three Forks of the Trinity, and the first night he 
could find no trace of anything human, and as it 
grew dark he would stop occasionally and listen for 
the bark of a dog, the lowing of a cow or the crow 
of a rooster, or anything that would indicate that a 
human being was living near. He finally gave it 
up, and lariated his horse out on the grass, and took 
his saddle for a pillow, and the starry canopy of 
heaven for a coverlid, and passed the night that way. 
He said it was very lonesome. Nothing could be 
heard but the howling of the wolves and an occasion- 
al screech of nn owl. 

At the dawn of the morning he arose, ate his 
breakfast that was prepared for him before he left 
Bonhart:. He saddled his horse and made another 
start, and that evening, as it grew late, he saw a lit- 
tle cabin on the edge of a wood on Spring Creek, in 
Collin County, and as he approached it he saw an 
old gentleman sitting in the shade smoking his cob 
pipe. The sides of his cabin were adorned with coon, 
deer and opossum skins. Father spoke to him and 



16 Sixty Years in Texas. 

said, "I am very tired, and Vv^ould like to stay the 
night with you." He replied, ''Alight and lariat your 
horse." My father complied with his request, and 
soon was in earnest conversation with the old pio- 
neer, and from him he got some information about 
Ste .vardsville. He told him there was such a place 
over on the Elm Flats, but he did not think it was 
much of a place, but he had never seen it. 

In the morning my father inquired of him if he 
had any shaving tackle. He said he would like to 
slia\'e and brush up a little before he met the land 
agents of Stewards ville. The old pioneer replied 
that he had a razor that he might strap up, but said 
it had not been used for a long time. He got his 
razor and some soft soap in a gourd, and he had an 
old frying pan without a handle. He had no brush, 
but was equal to the occasion. He had an old sow 
in a pen near by, and he extracted some bristles 
from her back, tied a string around them, and in- 
vited my father to take a seat on a stump near the 
cabin door, and with that soft soap, lather and hog's 
bristle brush, and rusty blade, that knight of the 
razor began to play on my father's face, and after 
a half an hour of excruciating pain he turned him 
loose. Father saddled his horse, bade his host good- 
bye with a hearty good shake of the hand. He 
mounted and again headed for the West, in search 
of Stewardsville. It was a very hot day, the last 
of August. The deer and the antelope were making 
their way to the nearest shade earlier than usual, 
but Father pressed on through the tall grass, and 
about the middle of the day he espied a small cabin 
in the distance, and he made straight for it, and as 
he approached it he saw that it was occupied, and he 
called out, "Hello!" and a party came to the door 
and spoke to him, and my father inquired of him 



Sixty Years in Texas. 17 

concerning Stewardsville, the way, and how far. The 
man looked a Httle surprised, and invited him to 
ahght, and said, "This is the place. You are right 
in the heart of the city." 

Father stayed with him until the next morning, 
and talked about land claims, and how he could se- 
cure a section of land, and the next day he came 
down into the Farmer's Branch Settlement, and the 
first stop he made was at David Myers', the father 
of the late Rev. J. M. Myers, and there met Lionel 
Simpson and eJoseph Hildreth, two gentlemen that 
crossed the sea with us in the same ship. They 
bought horses at Shreveport and left us there and 
came on to Dallas County. Lionel Simpson vv^as a 
live, energetic Scotchman, and made a fortune be- 
fore the War broke out. Hildreth was a different 
type of man. He was brought up in the city, and 
he dressed like a gentleman. He wore kid gloves, 
and always liked to have some one to wait on him. 
Father and Mr. Simpson frequently told him he was 
not suited for Texas, and would never set the world 
on fire. 

My father selected a section of land, and it can 
now be seen on the map of Dallas County, patented 
in the name of John Jackson. Father was very well 
pleased with the settlement, and soon became ac- 
quainted with the pioneers that had taken claims 
and built their cabins, the Marshes, Webbs, Keenans, 
Myers, Nixes, Perrys, Witts, Wests, and they were 
very intelligent, honest and kind. They were a class 
of people that would be an honor to any country, 
and most of them had the tact that adapted them to 
frontier life, and they all seemed to be happy and 
contented, and would meet the new comers with a 
hearty welcome, and would divide such as they had 
with them. Father returned to Bonham and brought 



18 Sixty Years in Texas. 

out the family, and we secured a little cabin about 
12x14 feet on what is now known as the Warner 
Place, about fifteen miles north of Dallas, and there 
we spent the first winter. 

Father had a little money left, and he and Mr, 
Simpson decided to go South and buy a few cattle, 
but before going they decided to split some rails to 
make a cow pen and fence a garden, and James Ken- 
nedy, a lad about sixteen years old, went with my 
father and the boj^s to show them some timber that 
no one claimed, and he pointed out to them some 
trees that he said would split easy. One of them was 
a wild china, and they pitched into it with their new 
axes, and finally got it down, and one length cut off, 
and then they tried to split it, but lightning never 
did split a wild china. They got the wedges all in 
up to the head, and were so tired out they sat down 
to rest, and looking towards our cabin, they saw a 
dense cloud of smoke. Hildreth, the gentleman, 
had heard Father and Mr. Simpson saying about 
the first thing to do was to clear off a place for a 
garden, and Mr. Hildreth thought he would burn 
off the grass. It was very dry, and the grass was 
tall. He took a clapboard and a few coals, and 
touched it off. The wind was blowing a stiff breeze 
from the south, and in a few minutes the fire was 
going almost as fast as a horse could run. Dense 
columns of smoke arose almost sky-high, and the 
flames would rise 100 or 150 feet high and bend 
over with the driving wind, and catch and go again. 
Pandemonium seemed to reign among the varmints 
of the prairie and birds of the air, and the sight 
was grand and terrible, and Mr. Hildreth, in amaze- 
ment and fright, was heard to exclaim, "I believe I 
have done just >vhat they have all been saying I 
never vv^ould do. I have set the world on fire, and 



Sixty Years in Texas. 19 

I believe it will burn up if no preventing Provi- 
dence." We had some difficulty in keeping it from 
burning our cabin. Father and the boys came to our 
rescue, and the cabin was saved. That was the great- 
est prairie fire ever seen in North Texas, and if it 
stopped this side of Red River we never knew it. 

Our first day's experience, a very large garden 
spot burned off, with a very little hope of every get- 
ting it fenced. The wedges still in the china tree, 
and not a rail made. But the watchword was to 
never give up. Father and Mr. Simpson told Mr. 
Hildreth that it was a criminal offense to willfully 
set the prairie on fire, and a heavy penalty. Mr. Hil- 
dreth after a short time returned to England, and 
the last we heard of him he was at home quietly 
resting in the bosom of his family. 

The wedges were cut out of the china tree and 
other species of timber were tried v>^ith better suc- 
cess, and after a great deal of hard work enough 
rails were made to make a cow pen, and my father 
and Mr. Simpson went to South Texas and bought 
thirty cows and calves, giving $3.50 per head, or 
$7.00 for a cow and calf. My father bought eighteen 
and Mr. Simpson twelve, and the little money that 
we had Vv^as gone. The winter of 1848 was very se- 
vere. The sleet and snow lay on the ground for 
more than three weeks, and it was so bitter cold we 
had to turn the cattle adrift, and they scattered to 
the four winds, and we nine of us were huddled to- 
gether in the little log cabin about 12x14 feet, with 
our scanty bedclothing, and the sleet driving 
through the roof, and the north wind blowing a 
perfect gale. We thought of the agents that had 
represented this to be a delightful climate, with no 
chilling winds or driving snows, but one continuous 
spring and summer, and we were ready to say that 



20 • Sixty Years in Texas. 

they were the worst Mars that ever came to England. 
During the severe winter we ground our corn with 
a hand mill, and would kill prairie chickens and 
rabbits, and occasionally a wild goose, and we Hved 
on cornbread and wild game, and after the hard 
spell of weather was over Father and the boys 
began to get out timbers to build a house, and when 
the spring came we went out to search for the cattle, 
and found all of them. We got them together, and 
it was not many years before we had a very fine 
herd of cattle. The investment proved to be a good 
one, and if it had not been for those cattle we would 
have suffered much more than we did. 

Time passed, and the rough work we had to do, 
such as splitting rails and hauling them out of the 
woods, building the fences and plowing the ground, 
began to tell on the good clothes we brought from 
the old country. We began to look very seedy, and 
the buttons came off, and they were patched all 
over. Mother and sister could not spin or weave, 
as the pioneer women could, and we had no money. 
I had a nice frock coat made out of rich navy blue, 
with four rows of buttons in front, and I wore it 
so long the neighbor boys would say when they met 
me, "That is the beatenest coat I ever seen. You 
had it on the first time I ever seen you." 

We attended the camp meetings in 1849 and 50. 
The people came from all quarters for forty or fifty 
miles, and the campers were very liberal, providing 
for them. The Webbs, Knights, Cochrans, Wests, 
and a number of others had camps on the ground. 
Our clothing was so bad in 1851 that we gave up 
all hopes of attending the meeting, but my father 
and mother wanted to go, and he said he would pro- 
vide a way for us boys to go. There was a little 
country store at Farmer's Branch, and he went 



Sixty Years in Texas. 21 

down there and bought us each a pair of white can- 
vas pants. He and Mother said they would go first 
and stay a day or two, and we were to remain at 
home and hold the fort, milk the cows and wait for 
their return. We had a pair of nimble long horn 
steers. They were hitched to the cart and Father 
and Mother started for the camp meeting, telling 
us to be good boys, and they would return in a day 
or two, and then we could go. After they left we 
held a council and began to talk about our pants. 
We thought they were very common, and thought 
Vv^e were entitled to something better. But a happy 
thought struck one of my older brothers. He said 
he had seen Mrs. Meyers, one of our neighbors, 
dying cloth of this kind with green walnuts, and 
we had a very large kettle or wash pot, and we de- 
cided at once to dye the pants. Brother Bill said 
he would get the walnuts, if I and John would get 
the water hot. It v>^as about two miles to the walnut 
grove. We had an old white horse, and Bill 
mounted him. We were all so elated over the pro- 
posed dye works we were going to start, we were 
in high glee. I can see Bill now, as he v^as going in 
a fleet gallop, waving the sack over his head. To 
illustrate how he flew towards the walnut grove, I 
will tell a story. There was once upon a time a 
man that was driving three yoke of oxen hitched to 
a loaded Vv^agon, and one of his oxen sulked, or lay 
down and refused to go any further. The man 
whipped him and beat him with his whip stock, but 
all to no purpose. He would not budge. A doctor 
w^as riding by, and the man stopped him and asked 
him if he could help him any way, saying he was 
only eight miles from home. The doctor said he 
would try. He dismounted, took a small vial from 
his saddle bags and poured a little high life on the 



22 Sixty Years in Texas. 

bruised places. The steer made a lunge, split the 
yoke, and was gone like a shot Avith his tail going 
in a circle. The man said in a moment, "Doctor, 
what is your bill?" the doctor said, "Oh, nothing." 
The man replied, "I know it is worth something." 
The doctor said, "Ten cents will do." "Here's your 
money. Now, give me fifteen cents worth quick and 
put it on me, I've got that steer to catch ;" and I will 
say that Bill went across the prairie to the walnut 
grove just like he had high life on him, and by the 
time John and I had the Vv'ater boiling Bill returned 
with about a bushel of green walnuts, and they were 
poured in the big pot. We stirred them 
around for a while, and then put our pants in 
the pot and began to stir then around among the 
walnuts, each of us with a stick about four feet long, 
going around and around the pot, with our long 
w^hite robes on, when all at once we lifted up our 
eyes to behold a finely dressed lady appearing on 
the scene. We not being dressed to receive com- 
pany, ran as fast as we could to a corn patch 
that was hard by, and occasionally we w^ould come 
to the end of a row and peep out. But she seemed to 
linger. It was said that she had her cap set for 
Mr. Simpson, vv^ho was living with us at that time. 
But she finally dismissed herself and walked slowly 
away, and when she got at a safe distance we came 
out from our hiding place. She would occasionally 
look back, and we could see from a distance that her 
cap was still setting for a live Scotchman. I will 
not mention her name, but I saw her brother at the, 
old Mexican Veterans' Meeting at Dallas, a very 
old man and a Mexican Veteran. After coming 
from our hiding place we rushed to the dye pot in 
an almost frantic manner ; but it was too late. The 
Rubicon was crossed, and the dye was cast, and our 



Sixty Years in Texas. 23 

pants were of many different colors, a streak of 
white and yellow and then a streak of brown, and 
where the walnuts had rested on them there was a 
black spot about the size of a marble, and we could 
not do anything to change it for the better, so we 
hung them on the fence, and would step back and 
look at them, and all we could say was, "The leopard 
cannot change his spots, nor the Ethiopian the color 
of his skin, neither can we change the color of these 
pants." If Joseph of old had had a pair of them 
to match his coat of many colors it might have ex- 
cited the jealousy of his brethren to such a degree 
he may have fared much worse than he did. 

The evening we expected our parents to return 
Vv'e put them on, as it was all we had, and when they 
hove in sight we went out to meet them, keeping up 
a bold front and trying to make it appear that we 
had made a blooming success in the dye business, 
but expecting all the time a good whipping. But 
the meeting was so funny, and our appearance so 
comical, our parents laughed it off, but refused 
to let us go to camp meeting, and the good impres- 
sions we might have received were postponed for 
another twelve months. 

Time passed, and we continued to work very 
hard. Father and my older brothers would make 
rails, and with one yoke of oxen and the old wagon 
we had, would haul them to the edge of the prairie, 
and with two yoke and a sled I would haul them two 
miles to the place we were trying to enclose, and we 
never let up nor gave up until we had the largest 
farm fenced in the north part of Dallas County. 
Our cattle increased, and we had a lot of young 
steers that we broke to work, and we soon had oxen 
for sale. That was the only kind of cattle that there 
was much sale for, and we began to be in better 



24 Sixty Years in Texas. 

circumstances, and were soon provided with re- 
spectable clothing. My older brothers were now 
getting to be almost young men, and there were new 
settlers coming in all the time, and my brothers and 
my oldest sister were beginning to want to become 
better acquainted with the young people, and they 
asked Father and Mother if they might have a quilt- 
ing bee. The boys told Father they had worked 
hard for a long time, and thought they ought to 
have a chance to get better acquainted with the 
young people and have some kind of amusement. 
Our parents consented, and the time was fixed. We 
did not send out any invitation cards, but Bill and 
John took turn about on our old Vv^hite horse, going 
in different directions, inviting the young people to 
come to the quilting. This was the first party in 
that part of the country or in Denton County, and 
the young people came from far and near. We had 
to invite all, as it would not do to slight any one. 
We had at that time two large rooms to our house, 
and three small ones. 

The time came at last, and the boys and girls 
came from every quarter, and the qaiits were sur- 
rounded, and the girls were busy until the middle 
of the evening. The quilts were completed and re- 
moved, and the rooms cleared, and the young people 
engaged in games and singing. But later a part of 
them wanted to dance, and a part objected. Some 
of them went to Father and asked him if they could 
dance, and he said he had no objections. They se- 
cured a fiddler, placed him in a corner on a raw hide 
chair, and he began to tune up, and some one said, 
"Get your partners for a cotillion." I was then 
nearly fifteen years old, but had never been to a 
dance, but I h'ad been casting sheep's eyes at a very 
beautiful little girl about thirteen years old, and I 



Sixty Years in Texas. 25 

would have almost given my life to have got a 
chance to talk to her, and when they called for part- 
ners for the cotillion I thought now was my chance, 
and I advanced towards her to ask her to dance 
with me. But when I got in front of her I was 
paralyzed and speechless. My heart seemed to come 
up in my throat and got in my mouth. But I did 
have power to extend my right hand, and she savv^ 
distressing and painful condition I was in, and she 
must have had pitv on me. She gave me her hand, 
and we were the first couple on the floor. The set 
was soon made up, and the fiddle began to play, and 
some one said, "Who is going to prompt for us?" 
Well, I did not know what that meant, but present- 
ly a fellow called out in a loud voice, "Honor to your 
partners, lady on the left!" and they all began to 
bow. I must confess I did not make much of a 
Chesterfieldian bovs^, but I got as graceful a curve 
on me as I possibly could. Then the call was, "Join 
hands and circle to the left!" Well, that was easy. 
The next call came in a very loud and commanding 
tone, "Turn 'em loose, and every man to his 
puncheon, and balance all !" I am sure it would 
have provoked a hearty laugh from the soberest 
judge that ever Dallas County produced to have seen 
us facing those pretty girls and trying to keep time 
with that frisky fiddle, as the tall man in the corner 
kept playing fast and furious on the one old tune, 
on his three-string fiddle — 

"Chicken in the bread tray picking up the dough, 
Granny, will your dog bite? No, child, no." 

But the merry makers seemed to enjoy it, proba- 
bly better than the learned professor enjoys the 
classic music of to-day. The dancing was kept up 
all night, and the tall fiddler in the corner stuck to 



26 Sixty Years in Texas. 

the old tune, and when the gray streaks of dawn 
began to appear in the east the revelers began to 
take their leave. Some Vv^ent in carts, some horse- 
back, with their girls behind them. Other girls had 
their own horse and saddle, and most of the girls 
in those days were good horseback riders. So the 
first party of Dallas County was over, past and gone 
into history, and the boys and girls had something 
to talk about for a long time. 

In the morning Father walked out around the 
farm, and in almost every fence corner a horse had 
been fed; and he said quiltings were rather expen- 
sive, and he would have to enlarge the farm before 
we had many more. 

In those early days Vv^e had to haul all our mer- 
chandise, groceries and supplies of every kind with 
ox teams from Houston or Jefferson, and it got to 
be quite a business, and those freighters made good 
money. They would get from three to three and a 
half dollars per hundredweight for hauling freight 
from these points. My father rigged up a team of 
five yoke of oxen and a big wagon. Two yoke of 
the oxen were wild, and he started me to Jefferson 
to haul a load of freight to McKinney. That was the 
first time that I had spent more than one night away 
from home. I shall never forget that trip. There 
was quite a train of us. We reached Jefferson all 
right, loaded our freight, between four and five 
thousand pounds on each wagon. Several barrels 
of whiskey made a part of the load. My brother 
William had two long teams and wagons, and he had 
a Yankee driving one of his teams, that was rather 
a rough fellow, but quite a genius, and if anything 
went wrong he was always ready to suggest a 
remedy, and if anything of importance was to be 
done the Yankee could be heard to say, "Hold, hold, 
let me suggest!" 



Sixty Years in Texas. 27 

We moved slowly along with our heavy loads 
on our return trip. One of the oxen, a very heavy 
one, became very tenderfooted and got worse every 
day, and one morning before we had traveled far 
the ox laid down and refused to budge, and all of 
the long train was stopped. There were probably 
thirty yoke of oxen in the train. Those teamsters 
were rather rough, but they vv^ere true to one 
another. They would never desert a comrade that 
had fallen by the way. A valuable lesson might be 
learned from these boys by people that are now in 
such a scuffle trying to get ahead of their neighbors. 
"Well," said one of the boys, "it is no use. We 
might as well turn out our oxen for a few days and 
rest, and then try it again." And some of them 
began to unhitch, when the Yankee was heard to 
exclaim, "Hold, hold, let me suggest. Boys," he 
said, "Let us shoe this ox." Then one of the boys 
repHed, "We have got no leather nor anything else 
to shoe him with." The Yankee replied, "Let me 
suggest. We have a lot of sides of bacon. We can 
shoe him v/ith bacon rind." At once some of the 
sides of bacon were got out, and a piece larger than 
a dinner plate cut off for each shoe, and the experts 
went to work making shoes for that ox. They were 
made and placed upon the feet of the ox, a very 
good backwoods fit, and one of the boys told the 
driver to get his whip and make that ox get up. 
Before he had time to strike the Yankee was heard 
to exclaim again, "Hold, hold, let me suggest. Boys, 
let us give him a dram of whiskey," and several of 
the boys answered in chorus, "All right." 

The best barrel had been tapped, and the boys 
had been drinking it. They drew a quart bottle full 
of the very best brand, and one of the boys held him 
by the nose and horns, and another one poured the 
bottle of whiskey down his throat. The old ox 



28 Sixty Years in Texas. 

licked out his tongue and smacked his Hps and got 
up, and for a while he was as frisky as a young colt 
with his new bacon rind slippers and morning dram. 
He tried to pull the whole load, and our long train 
again moved slowly on towards McKinney and we 
reached there in due time, and the freight was un- 
loaded. The barrel of best whiskey was a little light, 
and Mr, Newsome, the merchant, noticed it, and the 
boys told him they had been using it and expected to 
pay for it. But he said, "Never mind, boys. I ex- 
pect it was necessary for you to have your morning 
dram down in that malarial district." He paid us 
all in gold. I carried mine home, every cent of it, 
and gave it to my father. The family needed it very 
bad. I freighted several years hauling flour to the 
Indians, and lumber from the pine mills, and earned 
money to keep up the family. In regard to the boys 
drinking the whiskey on this trip I will say that I 
do not know of any bad results that followed. But 
will say that later in life I have seen so much of 
the bad effects arising from the use of whiskey that 
I hope the traffic may be suppressed altogether. 

When my two older brothers were seventeen and 
eighteen years old they thought they ought to have 
horses of their own to ride wherever they wanted to 
go. But neither they nor Father had any money to 
buy them with. There were many of the pioneers 
trying to open up their farms, and there was quite a 
demand for large teams to break up the prairie, and 
three dollars per acre was the price offered. My 
father rigged up a large team for the boys, and set 
them to v\^ork breaking prairie to earn money to buy 
their horses, and they soon had the money in hand. 

There was a large herd of Spanish ponies fresh 
from Mexico in the neighborhood, and the boys de- 
cided to buy a couple and break them to ride. They 
selected two very pretty looking ones, and the Mex- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 29 

ican herders threw the lasso over their heads and 
threw them down and put halters on them, and the 
boys staked them out and kept them a few weeks and 
broke them to lead, and one Sunday morning they 
decided to ride them to meeting. The Mexican herd- 
ers were to help them to put the saddles and bridles 
on. The ponies were thrown down and blindfolded, 
and the bridles put on, and then saddled. John, my 
oldest brother, got on his first, and the blindfold was 
taken off, and the pony went like a shot, John hold- 
ing to the horn of the saddle. The pony circled 




John Jackson, Jr., Going to Meeting 

around a little and then took a straight shoot to- 
wards Dallas, passing the meeting house on Farmers 
Branch, and never stopped for services, but kept 
going like the wind, John still holding to the horn 
of the saddle like that was his only saviour. That 
was the only thing he had to hold to. The bridle 
reins were gone. He reached the place near where 
the suburbs of Dallas now stand, and then took a 
grand circle towards White Rock. John was still 
holding as tight as ever Mazeppa did, that was bound 
to the wild horse, passing people and every object on 
the road like the fleetest race horse, and about two 
o'clock in the afternoon they rounded up near Farm- 
ers Branch and the pony stopped among a bunch of 



30 



Sixty Years in Texas. 



gentle horses, and John dismounted, holding to a 
rope that was around the horse's neck, and he led 
him to a neighbor's and rested for a few hours, and 
borrowed a bridle and mounted him again and reach- 
ed home just before dark, and told us the round the 




WILLIAM JACKSON 

I can ride anything that ever looked through a bridle. 

pony had taken him, and said he was tired, but said 
his pony had good wind and the best bottom of any 
animal that ever came from Mexico. 

After John had left Bill was anxious to try his. 
The pony was thrown down and blindfolded, and 
the bridle put on. Bill had an old leather turtle-shell 



Sixty Years in Texas. 31 

looking saddle that they girted on hard and fast, 
and some of them asked him if he could stick to him 
with that saddle, and he replied that he could ride 
anything that ever looked through a bridle. Bill 
mounted, and the blindfold was taken off, and away 
the pony went like a shot, but did not go far until 
he began to pitch and buck, and Bill and the pony 
parted company. Bill went up, up, and the pony 
went on. When Bill came down and pulled himself 
together he came back to where the crowd was stand- 
ing, and asked father if he didn't think he had better 
trade him for something gentle, which he afterwards 
did. 

The boys always had horses to ride after that. 

The Jacksons did some foolish things, but wher- 
ever a Jackson was found there was always some- 
thing doing. They would make a spoon or spoil a 
horn, as the old pioneers used to say. 

I will again go back to the year 1848, and say a 
few words in regard to the first crop we made in 
Texas. There was no land for rent. The farmers 
then were just making a beginning and opening up 
farms for themselves. None of them had enough 
in cultivation for themselves. 

But these old pioneers looked on one another as 
brethren, and felt in duty bound to help each other, 
and Mr. Marsh, the father of the late Thomas and 
Dave Marsh of this county, proposed to let my father 
have three acres to sow in wheat; and Mr. R. J. 
West, the father of the late Judge West and John 
West of this city, agreed to rent us six or eight acres 
for corn. These old people have long gone to their 
reward, but they remained our friends until the day 
of their death, and such friends were a blessing to 
all that knew them as we did. We made a very good 
crop of wheat and threshed the first out with a flail, 
and ground it with our hand-mill. That was the 



32 



Sixty Years in Texas. 



sweetest bread that I ever remember of eating. Our 
corn crop had to be cultivated. We broke up the 
land with oxen, and planted the corn. 

The rented land was situated about 314 miles 
from our cabin, and on Sunday evening we two or 
three of us boys would ride an old gentle ox that 
we had to the field to be ready early Monday morn- 
ing to begin plowing, and would camp there during 







.^r^ 



<:S=5^ 



Going to the Field Sunday Evening 

the v*^eek. I would lead the ox, and one of my 
brothers held the plow, and the other brother pull 
the weeds from around the corn. We would work 
that way during the week, and on Saturdey evening 
we would all go home to our cabin. We made a 
splendid crop of corn, and the corn and wheat we 
raised the first year put us in good shape with bread 
a plenty and to spare. The first load of corn we 
bought in '48 w^e had to haul from near Red River. 
In the year 1849 there was quite a number of fami- 
lies in Dallas, and we had twelve or fifteen good 



Sixty Years in Texas. 33 

milk cows, and we proposed to furnish the town in 
all the butter they wanted; and on the other hand, 
they, the people of Dallas, or some of them, agreed 
to take all the good, fresh butter we could bring 
them, and pay a fair price for it ; and it was agreed 
that we three boys should take turn about deliver- 
ing the butter with the old white horse, the only 
one that we had, and everything looked promising 
for awhile. But it did not take us long to glut the 
market. We brought so much it became a drug on 
the market, and we gave the business up. I some- 
times now look at the crowded street of Dallas, the 
stately buildings, the finely dressed people, the met- 
ropolitan air and appearance, and I say to myself, 
what a change time has wrought! 

New York has its four hundred of the wealthy 
and select, and only a few can get within that inner 
circle. Dallas may not be able to boast of that 
large number, but the aristocratic and wealthy of 
Dallas are forming a circle slowly but surely where 
the common herd can never be admitted. I often 
look back to the early settlers of Dallas County, and 
I frequently count over the different families, and 
think of the good old days, when we were all free 
and equal, and seemed to be on the same footing. 
Although many of the old settlers of this county 
were educated and refined, yet it is equally true that 
some of them could not move with that ease and 
grace in fashionable society as some that came later 
on. But I will say that they had hearts, as true as 
steel. They were men and women that would be 
at your bed-side in the day and hour of sickness 
with a willing heart and a helping hand to admini" 
ter to your wants. They were men and women tha\ 
would weep with you in the day of your afflictioK 
and trouble, and would rejoice with you in the day 
of your good fortune and prosperity. These men 



34 Sixty Years in Texas. 

with their ax in one hand blazed out the way 
for those that came later on, and with their trusty 
rifle in the other they protected their wives and lit- 
tle ones from the attacks of the wily savage, know- 
ing no fear save the fear of their God. Here in the 
wilderness in 1846 the first Baptist Church was or- 
ganized near Farmers' Branch, by Rev. David 
Myers, with only five members. They, a few of them, 
met together with their wives and children and in- 
vited the blessings of Almighty God down upon 
them, and placed themselves under His protection. 
These old people, may God bless them ! most of them 
have passed over the River. But I will say they 
are the kind of people that I like to meet with yet. 
I like to shake their hands when they come, the 
up and down motion, you can feel the whole weight 
of a great heart press down upon your hand. They 
are the kind of people I should like to have around 
my bed when I press my dying pillow. And when I 
cross over the River, if I am so fortunate as to 
reach that Heaven of rest, in which I have a living 
and abiding faith, I shall expect to meet them there, 
because I believe the virtuous, the true, the honest 
and brave will ne'er go unrewarded. 

In regard to the descendants of John and Mary 
Jackson — they are getting rather numerous. There 
is probably in all about 145. Those of Mr. Lionel 
Simpson are not near so numerous, and among them 
there are farmers, merchants, stockmen, a lawyer 
or two, a banker, and I do not know one among 
them but what is good for his promises, and will 
say I think there is not one of the descendants of 
either family that has not made a good citizen. It 
may not become me to say this, and I am sure I 
do not say it boastingly, but still, I am proud of it. 
I say it because fate seemed to be against us in the 
beginning, and our neighbor boys seemed to make 



Sixty Years in Texas. 35 

sport of us in the beginning, because we did not have 
that tact and skill that qualified us for frontier life. 
But we had the grit and determination never to give 
up short of success. Many have died and others 
have dropped out of the old neighborhood, but the 
descendants of Lionel Simpson and John and Mary 
Jackson own the land for many miles. 

My father died in the spring of 1866, just after 
the close of the War between the States. He lived 
to see all of his sons return after that bloody con- 
flict, and we had a grand reunion, and a glorious 
time, that lasted for many days; and my dear old 
mother lived to a good old age, surrounded by her 
children and grand-children, with all the comforts 
of this life, loved by all who knew her. At the age 
of 87 years she crossed over the river and went 
to her reward. 

I admire and love the old pioneer women, and 
think them superior in many respects to the women 
of the present. But I would not think of making 
any unfavorable comments on the noble women of 
the present age. Many of them are in the forefront 
of every charitable and Christian enterprise, al- 
ways doing something for the betterment of others. 
They move gracefully about with a crown of flow- 
ers on their heads and dressed in a garb that seems 
to have been woven from the moonbeams of mid- 
summer. Their attractive appearance, and good 
works, will always be admired by good men. But 
let us turn to the old pioneers and look at the grand 
old women that stood by their husbands faithful and 
true. They endured the hardships, suffered the 
privations, braved the dangers, and overcame the 
difficulties that are incident to a new and a wild 
countrj^ without a murmur of complaint ; and when 
I think of my dear old mother, weak and frail in 
body, but strong in mind and spirit, how she worked 



36 Sixty Years in Texas. 

almost night and day for her children — when I think 
of her that kissed away my tears in infancy and 
in youth, and counselled and rightly advised me in 
early manhood, my heart overflows, my eyes become 
moist, and my whole life of love goes out after her, 
and I admire and love and praise and revere her 
blessed name. Those old pioneers, both men and 
women, seemed to be possessed with the same spirit 
that controlled Bowie, Crockett and the heroes that 
gave their lives that Texas might be free. It was 
they that blazed out the way and laid the founda- 
tion in this country, that made it possible for those 
that came later on to enjoy the benefits and bless- 
ings of this glorious country. 

There have been many monuments raised that 
we may remember the heroes and great persons of 
past ages. We have monuments of our Confederate 
generals that gave their lives to a cause they be- 
lieved to be right, and I should like to see a monu- 
ment raised that would tower above all others in 
memory of the old pioneers, facing to the west, with 
his ax in one hand and his trusty rifle in the other, 
with his faithful wife by his side, with her Bible 
in one hand and distaff in the other. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 39 

THE OLD LOG CABIN HOME. 

Dear memory's chain has bound my heart 

To my old log cabin home, 
And the boundless prairie free as air, 

Where once I loved to roam. 

When the deer was on the prairie. 

And the turkeys in the tree. 
And the bear was plenty in the woods 

And as fat as fat could be. 

Then the world seemed free and easy. 

No selfishness nor pride, 
And those that had a plenty 

Were always ready to divide. 

All men then seemed like brothers, 

And for help in vain we'd ne'er appeal, 

For we knew that all our neighbors 
Had hearts as true as steel. 

I shall ever love and praise the pioneer 

Wherever I may roam, 
And kindly love those dear old friends. 

And our old log cabin home. 

When I visit gilded halls and palaces, 

In company or alone, 
My heart not there, I am not right, I do not feel at 

home. 
My mind turns back to my dear old friends and our 

old log cabin home. 
It was there my dear old mother. 

With kind and loving care, 
Attended to my every want. 

And all my troubles seemed to share. 

With troubled heart and scalding tears 

Sometimes when I'm alone 
I think of my kind and dear old mother, 

And our old log cabin home. 



40 Sixty Years in Texas. 

In regard to the descendants of John and Mary 
Jackson : They had seven children that grew to be 
men and women, four sons and three daughters. 
John Jackson, Jr., my oldest brother, died the 17th 
of July, 1904, leaving his second wife and one 
daughter. He left five sons by his first wife. He 
lived on the same place that he first improved for 
nearly fifty years, and had acquired a large body 
of land, giving each one of his five sons a farm, and 
had a beautiful place of his own, 640 acres, and at 
the time of his death his homestead, with its at- 
tractive residence and surroundings formed one of 
the most beautiful rural places in the county. He 
felt it his duty to enter the service of his adopted 
country. He enlisted in William Jackson's, his 
brother's, company, and served only six months and 
was discharged on account of sickness. He served 
as Justice of Precinct No. 1 several years. 

William Jackson, the next oldest brother, served 
with the rangers in General Darnell's company in 
1858, and '59, and early in the war he enlisted in 
W. H. Witt's company and was elected first lieuten- 
ant, and later Capt. Witt resigned and he was elect- 
ed captain of the company. He married Miss Mat- 
tie Harris, a cousin of Chief Harris, of the Cherokee 
Nation, and not long after the war he moved to the 
Cherokee Nation and settled near Fort Gibson. He 
was elected to the Cherokee Legislature, and served 
for some time, and was appointed as one of the com- 
mittee to meet and confer with the Dawes Commis- 
sion. He practiced law for many years in the Cher- 
okee country. He is now 73 years old, and had a 
stroke of paralysis two years ago, and has been very 
feeble since. He has two sons and one daughter 
living, and they are married and doing well. The 
oldest son, William Jackson, Jr., was Commissioner 
of Denton County. 




JOHN JACKSON. JR. 




CAPTAIN WILLIAM JACKSON 




MR. FRANK JACKSON 




MRS. FRANK JACKSON 



Sixty Years in Texas. 49 

Frank Jackson, my younger brother, enlisted in 
William Jackson's company when quite young, and 
was in active service until the battle of Elk Creek. 
He was wounded in that battle by the explosion of 
a shell, his skull being fractured badly. A piece of 
his skull was taken off nearly as large as a half dol- 
lar, and left his brain exposed and some of his brains 
came out, and they did not think it possible for him 
to recover. But he did. It took six or seven years 
for his skull to heal up. He married Miss Lizzie 
Hunter not long after the war. She was a native of 
Dallas county and reared six miles north of Dallas, 
and they have had twelve children born to them. 
Ten are living, six sons and four daughters. The 
sons are all married. The daughters are at home 
with the parents. The sons, several of them, are at 
Wichita Falls in business and doing well. The old- 
est son, J. L. Jackson, owns valuable property in 
Wichita Falls, and is considered wealthy. The sec- 
ond son, Henry, is cashier of the bank at Orange. 
He married the daughter of Judge Holland. The 
other sons are in the hardware and implement busi- 
ness at Wichita Falls. And brother Frank, their 
father, is still on the farm, and owns a part of the 
old homestead we first settled when we came to 
Texas. He owns a 300-acre farm. 

My oldest sister, Mrs. W. R. Dudley, died many 
years ago. W. R. Dudley married again to Miss Eva 
Carnes. He departed this life about ten years ago 
and Mrs. Dudley is living on the old place. 
They left three daughters and one son. The 
two youngest daughters died several years ago. The 
other daughter is living in Dallas. She married W. 
J. Everett. They have five children living, and two 
dead. The oldest son, William Everett, is married 
and works for the Dallas News. The oldest daugh- 
ter, Nora, married Mr. Crowder, the District Clerk 



50 Sixty Years in Texas. 

of Denton County, and has since died. The oldest 
son, John Dudley, married Mattie Everett. They 
reside in Piano. They have six children. The oldest 
daughter married Wallace Houston, of McKinney, a 
lawyer. He was elected County Attorney, and 
served his term out, and now has a good law prac- 
tice. The next daughter married a Mr. Claude Jas- 
per, the son of a banker at Piano. John Dudley is 
a successful stock trader, and has done well in Piano. 

In regard to my own family, I will say my wife 
and I have been married nearly forty-four years, 
and we have not yet had a death in our family. Mrs. 
Lydia Jackson, my wife, was the second daughter of 
Abraham and Caroline Hewitt, of Leesburg, Vir- 
ginia. She was born and reared in Leesburg until 
the age of 15 years. She moved with her parents to 
Missouri in 1858. Her father and people were loyal 
to the Union, and moved to Kansas before the close 
of the war. We have four children, two sons and 
two daughters. Our oldest son, Edward, is living 
in Frisco, Collin County. He is married, and they 
have four children. He is in the hardware and im- 
plement business at that place. 

Roy, our second son, married Miss Hattie Hens- 
ley, daughter of John Hensley, of Jacksboro, and 
they have five children. They live at Fort Worth, 
and he has charge of the Hicks Stock Yards at that 
place. 

Carrie, our oldest daughter, married Dr. C. L. 
Morey, a dentist. They have no children. He is a 
partner of Dr. Rice, and they have their office in 
the Wilson Building, Dallas, Texas, and they seem 
to be doing a good business. 

Emma, our youngest daughter, married Mr. A. 
C. Pepple. They have three children. He is the 
steel furniture man, and has been in that business 
seventeen years. They are living at 983 Bryan 




MRS. GEORGE JACKSON 



Sixty Years in Texas. 53 

street, Dallas. He has done a fine business, and is 
known throughout the State. My wife and I are liv- 
ing with them in our declining years. 

Fanny Jackson, second sister, married William 
Furneaux, and have been mentioned elsewhere in 
this book. They had four children born to them, J. 
H. Furneaux, John and William Furneaux, and 
Mary Furneaux. Mary married J. R. McFarland, 
the druggist. He and his brother own the drug store 
at 598 Elm street, Dallas. The Furneaux own three 
thousand acres of land in the north part of Dallas 
County, and the south part of Denton County, most 
of it in a high state of cultivation. 

My youngest sister, Susan, married James H. 
Mathis, December 18th, 1865. They now reside in 
Dallas. He came to Texas in 1855 with his parents. 
He enlisted in Company E, 18th Texas Cavalry, and 
was in many battles, the Battle of Ark Post, Chicka- 
mauga, Rescoa, New Hope Church, Peach Tree 
Creek, and the Battles of Atlanta on the 21st and 
22nd of July; in the latter he was taken prisoner, 
and spent about eight months in Camp Chase Prison 
at Columbus, Ohio. He was also a prisoner about 
four months at Camp Douglas, Chicago, Illinois, 
having been captured with the entire command at 
Ark Post. 

Their children, Flora and Martha, are single 
and reside with their parents. John Morris, their 
oldest son, died March 21st, 1908, leaving a widow 
and three children. Her maiden name was Carrie 
Boone. John M. Mathis spent about thirteen years 
in active work in the Y. M. C. A. as Principal Sec- 
retary at Houston and Dallas, and as General Sec- 
retary in the Railroad Y. M. C. A. in Smithville and 
San Antonio, having opened the work at both places. 
The youngest son, Arthur S. Mathis, married Miss 
Laura Towles, and they have one son. He himself 



54 Sixty Years in Texas. 

occupies a prominent position as purchasing agent 
and assistant manager with Smith & Lamar, agents 
for the Methodist Pubhshing House of the M. E. 
Church in Dallas. 

There are now about 145 of the connection, 
counting those that have married into the family. 
We have had two reunions at my brother's near the 
old homestead in 1901 and 1903 that lasted three 
days each time, and we succeeded in getting most 
of them together. We had music and speeches, and 
had a very enjoyable time, and about two hundred 
took dinner with us each day. We had a dozen cooks 
and twice as many waiters, and the best the coun- 
try afforded was placed on the tables, and we talked 
of old times and the hardships we had gone through, 
the privations and difficulties of frontier life. We 
labored under many difficulties when we first came 
to Texas, and were considered green in the ways of 
frontier life, and the only redeeming feature we had 
was grit, but it was a hard struggle between grit 
and green, but grit was successful and did predomi- 
nate in the end. When I was ten years old in the 
spring of 1849 I did my first plowing, with a large 
yoke of oxen. I had a line around the horns of the 
near ox, and I placed it around my body, and got 
along very well for a short time, but when I got to 
the farthest end of the land and was turning them 
around they threw their tails over their backs and 
jumped into a gallop. I did not know what was the 
matter with them then, but thought they had gone 
mad all at once. But afterwards we found out that 
it was the heel flies that were stinging them. The 
line slipped down over my body and drew tight 
around my ankles. The oxen nearly flew, and I 
just touched the high places along as we passed 
through the field at such a rapid gait. They stopped 
when they reached the fence, and I disengaged my- 




JAMES H. MATHIS 




SUSAN JACKSON MATHIS 



Sixty Years in Texas. 59 

self, and nursed my bruises a few minutes, and 
tried them again. 

In regard to our first reunion, in August, 1901, 
I will copy a small part as published by the Dallas 
News. "Three miles northeast of Carrollton, August 
30th. Special correspondent of the News. At the 
home of Mr. John Jackson, presents an unusual 
scene. A stranger riding past this comfortable and 
spacious old homestead would scarcely know what 
to think. The grounds in the immediate vicinity of 
the dwelling are dotted with tents, wagons and bug- 
gies. Beneath the grove of old cedars are seen 
smiling, happy groups of people of all ages, from 
the prattling infant to hoary-headed and venerable 
grand parents. The old pioneer fathers of the 
Peter's Colony time are here — that is, a few of them 
— and dear old matrons, too, who shared the trials 
and hardships incident to the settling of a new coun- 
try. Upon the front porch the piano has been rolled 
out, and accompanying it are a cornet and two 
violins, all played by pretty girls in a most pleasing 
manner. Under the largest of the tents long tables 
are spread with an abundance of wholesome, well 
prepared meats and delicacies, for the Jacksons are 
not people who do things by halves. They set in to 
have a general family reunion, and they went about 
it right. Beeves and muttons were provided, and 
the services of skilled barbecuers were enlisted, and 
everything was done to provide without stint for » 
crowd of at least 200. Among the old pioneer 
families of the colonial period of Texas, there are 
none more highly respected and generally loved 
than the descendants of the sturdy and courtly old 
Devonshire Englishman, John Jackson, who with 
his large family immigrated to Texas in 1848. He 
died May 31, 1866, on the farm that he settled here, 
and lived upon for eighteen years. His venerable 



60 Sixty Years in Texas. 

wife died in Dallas at the residence of her daughter, 
Mrs. Fanny Furneaux, in May, 1894. These old 
people left four sons and three daughters, each of 
whom raised families. So numerous has the Jack- 
son family and their immediate connections become 
that it occurred to Capt. William Jackson, the second 
son, to hold a general reunion at the residence of 
his brother, John. Capt. Jackson has for a good 
many years lived at Waggoner, I. T. Last April he 
came on a visit to his relatives and old home in 
Dallas County, and while here suggested the pres- 
ent three days reunion. The idea was evidently a 
popular one, for the meeting was a grand success. 
It is strikingly evident that there is not the least 
danger of the Jackson family becoming extinct in 
the Southwest." 

The Dallas News of that date gives the names 
of all. I will state that there are now twenty 
families of Jacksons of the descendants of John and 
Mary Jackson, and thirteen families of the girls and 
their descendants that have had their names 
changed, making a total of thirty-three families to 
date. 







.Oi-'i- 



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J^iW 



liV 




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''t^^ ^^'"■^■'•k- 



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Sixty Years in Texas. 65 

History of the Members of the 
English Colony 



LIONEL SIMPSON 

All of the older members of the English that 
emigrated to Peters Colony have departed this life. 
But many of their descendants are prominent citi- 
zens. Lionel Simpson came from Scotland. He was 
an energetic, sturdy Scotchman, and braved the dan- 
gers, hardships and privations of frontier life with a 
determination never to give up short of success. He 
made a fortune before the war broke out, and be- 
came a slave owner. He was in the Confederate ser- 
vice a short time, and the company that he was in 
were ordered to help guard the prisoners that were 
taken by Bourland's men, and hung near Gainesville, 
forty-five were hung near that place at one time. He 
said it was an awful scene to have to witness. They 
were hung until dead and then taken down and 
placed in a cart and hauled to a ditch and buried. 

Mr. Simpson lost a great deal of his property dur- 
ing the war, but had a large estate at the time of his 
death. A Mr. Joseph Hildreth came with him from 
England. He was a city gentleman, and the hard- 
ships of pioneer life were too much for him, and he 
returned to the Old Country again. 

A Mr. Sims, a shoemaker, came from England in 
1847, and located land here, intending to have his 
family come later, but was taken sick and died, but 
secured the land for his family. 

Lionel Simpson died many years ago, leaving 
three daughters, and one son, that has since died. 
Two of the daughters. Miss Ellen and Miss Anna, 
married sons of Captain McKamy, who were broth- 



66 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ers of our ex-Senator William C. McKamy. Miss 
Emma married Col. Bishop, a very prominent man 
and for some time was a member of the Legislature. 



REV. J. H. MORGAN 

Rev. J. H. Morgan emigrated from Torquay, Eng- 
land, early in the fifties. Later Mr. Joseph Morgan, 
his brother, came to the English colony. Their fa- 
ther was a Methodist preacher, and a very prom- 
inent man in Torquay. I visited that city in 1904, 
and was struck with the beauty of the place, and it 
is said by many people to be the garden spot of Eng- 
land. Rev. J. H. Morgan was also a Methodist min- 
ister. He was broad in his views, rather too broad 
for the faith, order and discipline as taught in the 
Methodist Conference in this country. He did not 
believe in sectarianism, and felt like taking every 
man by the hand and calling him brother, and he 
thought the feeling and division between the differ- 
ent churches was too marked, and he believed that 
they should be united and all should work to that 
end, as all were striving to go to the same place. 

J. H. Morgan was a Bible student and studied 
the Bible the greatest part of his life, and some time 
before his death he wrote a number of manuscripts 
on the Bible, and was expecting to put it in book 
form and have it published. He was a very pious 
and devoted Christian and a deep thinker. The 
widow, Mrs. J. H. Morgan, has five of his manu- 
scripts that she expects to have published in book 
form. 

The first written is on the Fall of Man. 

The second is on the Atonement. 

The third is on Salvation. 

The fourth is on the Judgment. 

The fifth is on Damnation. 




REV. JOHN H. MORGAN 




MRS. J. H. MORGAN 



Sixty Years in Texas. 71 

He has certainly given it a great deal of thought. 

Mrs. Margaret Oliver Morgan, wife of J. H. 
Morgan, was born in Port Glasscow, Scotland, and 
came to Texas in 1858. She married J. H. Morgan 
in 1860. She is now seventy-three years old, and re- 
sides in the city of Dallas. 

J. H. Morgan departed this life January, 1900, 
about eight years ago. I do not know the exact 
date. His widow and five children survive him. 
Professor Joseph Morgan, the principal of the High 
School at Dallas, is his oldest son. Henly, his second 
son, is living on the old homestead. Edward Morgan 
If. in business in Dallas. Miss Maggie Morgan, the 
oldest daughter, married Mr. Jack Amery, and they 
live in Missouri. Miss Bessie, the second daughter, 
married William Furneaux, Jr., and they have a 
beautiful place in the country; he is a brother of 
John L. and J. H. Furneaux of Dallas. They are well 
and favorably known as prominent stock men of 
North Texas. They have been engaged in that busi- 
ness many years, and they ship large quantities of 
fat cattle to Liverpool and London, also to Chicago, 
St. Louis and Fort Worth, Texas. They are the sons 
of William Furneaux and Fanny Jackson Furneaux. 
William Furneaux emigrated to Dallas County, from 
Devonshire, England, in fifty-seven, a young man. 
He was very successful in business up to the time of 
his death, and had acquired a large fortune, but died 
very suddenly at the age of forty-four years. 

Mr. Joseph Morgan, Sr., departed this life the 
19th of December, 1907, at the ripe old age of 77 
years. He was loved and respected by all who knew 
him. His wife was a Miss Eliza Furneaux. She 
died in the year 1901. Mr. Joseph Morgan is sur- 
vived by two sons and a daughter. His oldest son is 
a wealthy and successful ranchman of Denton Coun- 



72 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ty. His second son, Rev. Joseph J. Morgan, is M. A. 
B. D., president of the North Texas University 
Training School of Terrell. Mr. Joseph Morgan was 
the oldest surviving member of the English Colony. 
Mrs. Maria Morgan Smith, the only daughter of 
Joseph and Eliza Morgan, is the wife of Rev. L. O. 
Smith. They are now living at Whitesboro, Texas. 
She has been very prominent and a very active 
Christian lady, and is known in Methodist circles 
throughout the State, and is a leader in every char- 
itable and good cause. She and Mrs. Johnson, a 
prominent lady of this city, were instrumental in 
building the rescue home in East Dallas. They (the 
Methodists) have seven acres of ground and a large 
building, and many a poor girl and fallen woman 
has found protection and a home there when their 
kindred and relatives would not recognize them. 

Mr. Joseph Morgan was a very useful man and 
was an exception, and volumes could be written on 
his good qualities. But we can sum it up in a very 
few words by saying he was a perfect Christian gen- 
tleman, and his good works live after him. The 
Morgans have done much for the people in the neigh- 
borhood in which they have lived, and their influence 
has spread out over a large part of Texas. I never 
heard him use any bad language when a young man, 
never a word that was not fit for the ears of ladies, 
and his influence was always good. 

I will try to note the character of Mr. Joseph 
Morgan in the following poem. 

Our departed brother was a Christian 

And a man without a stain, 
And was never known to do a wrong 
To secure a worldly gain. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 75 

By looking straight into his face 

A child could understand 
That he could depend on such a friend, 

Because he was a kind man. 

His language was always pure and chaste, 
And such as all could understand; 

And his neighbors loved him very much. 
Because he was a pure man. 

The Church esteemed him highly — 

He was first to give and plan, 
And the members held him as a model, 

Because he was a liberal man. 

In business circles he was known. 

And they seemed to understand 
That his word was good as any bond, 

Because he was an honest man. 

And he also was a scholar. 

And did deep questions understand. 
And the world esteemed him highly, 
Because he was a learned man. 

George Jackson, 
His neighbor and friend for more than fifty years. 



THE WARNERS 

The Warners emigrated to Dallas County early 
in 1852 direct from Ireland. They were influenced 
by letters w^ritten by my father to his brother that 
was then living in Ireland. There were eight of 
them, the old gentleman and his wife and five sons 
and a daughter. They have all made good citizens. 
Mr. John Warner served as Judge of District No. 1 



76 Sixty Years in Texas. 

for some time, and could have served longer, but de- 
clined to stand for the office, preferring to retire. 
Mr. Thomas Warner married Miss Harriet Perry, 
the daughter of A. W. Perry, and resides in the 
north part of the county. He is a wealthy farmer 
and stock man, is highly respected and one of our 
best citizens. Mr. William Warner married a Miss 
Vicery, an Irish lady. They live on a farm in north 
part of the county, and they are independent. 

It is now sixty years since we landed in this coun- 
try, and I have kept track of most all of the descend- 
ants of these early settlers, and there are a great 
many of them, and I do not know of one that has not 
made a good citizen, and many of them have become 
prominent. This is a record that every descendant of 
those early pioneers should be proud of. 

I will say a few more words in regard to the Warn- 
ers. They were a family of more than ordinary intel- 
ligence. The old gentleman was a remarkable man, 
over six feet tall, well educated and as polite as a 
French dancing master, and could make as graceful a 
bow as a Chesterfield. He had a rich Irish brogue, 
and was very interesting in conversation and a dig- 
nified Christian gentleman, and was held in high 
esteem by all his neighbors. He was born 1795 and 
departed this life in 1875, the family came from 
County Cork, Ireland. Two of his sons, Robert and 
Benjamin, departed this life several years ago, also 
the daughter, Susan. The entire family were Pro- 
testants. Those old pioneers were honest and re- 
liable, and true to one another. 

One circumstance that happened is probably 
worthy of note : A young man by the name of George 
Reed came to this country with the Warners, but 
did not leave Ireland with them, and my father was 
afraid he was with them for no good, as Mr. Warner 




THOMAS WARNER 




ROBERT WARNER 




JUDGE JOHN WARNER 



Sixty Years in Texas. 83 

had quite a sum of money. My father thought he 
might be waiting for an opportunity to get it, and 
skip the country. Mr. Warner had it sewed up in a 
belt, a thousand or twelve hundred dollars in gold, 
that he wore around him. My father was so uneasy 
about it that he went to Warner's camp just after 
they reached the neighborhood and called him out 
to talk with him, and put him on guard, and when 
he mentioned his fears the old gentleman laughed 
heartily and told my father that he had lost his belt 
of money as they came along. He had taken the belt 
off and put it under his head at night, and in the 
morning there was some haste in getting away and 
their blankets were thrown in the wagon, and the 
money left in the grass. Reed, that morning very 
early, left the camp to try to kill a deer, and when he 
returned to the camp they were all gone. He picked 
up the belt of money and buckled it around him, 
and started after them, and about ten or eleven 
o'clock overtook the wagon. The old gentleman had 
not yet missed his money. George Reed delivered 
him the belt of gold and advised him to be more care- 
ful with his money in the future. 

Mr. Warner thanked my father very much and 
told him that George was perfectly honest. 

The early settlers of Dallas County were honest, 
generous and brave. They were a class of people 
that any country might be proud of, and a very few 
countries can boast of such a people as the early 
settlers of this country, and many of their descend- 
ants have become the prominent men of the county 
and State, and we never heard of any dishonesty 
from the time of the early settlement until near the 
close of the Civil War. 

Mr. John Warner married Miss Mollie Johnson, 
a sister of H. B. Johnson, of the City of Dallas. 
They were a fine looking couple, both of them over 



84 Sixty Years in Texas. 

six feet tall. They lived on the farm for many years. 
Five children were born to them, three boys and two 
girls. Two of the boys are now living in Dallas. 
The oldest daughter, Ula, married Mr. William 
Perry, son of Frank Perry. They live on the farm. 
The other son, Alexander Warner, is married and 
lives on the farm, and the youngest daughter, Emma, 
is living with her father. Mrs. Warner died many 
years ago, when the children were quite young. Mr. 
Warner never married again. He brought up and 
educated the children, and one of them, the young- 
est, is still living with him. He has alwaws been a 
Republican politically, and most all of his neighbors 
are Democrats, but they think so well of him they 
would vote for him for any office that he wanted ; 
white, black. Democrat and Republican would all 
vote for Warner. He is now 68 years old. 

William B. Rowe and family emigrated from 
Devonshire, England, to Peters Colony in 1848. His 
family consisted of himself and wife and a son and 
daughter. The daughter married James Kennedy. 
One son was born to them, and Mrs. Kennedy died 
not long after. The son, William Kennedy, lives in the 
north part of the county, and is a wealthy farmer. 
He married Miss Ann Perry. They have a large fam- 
ily of children, most of them grown. William Rowe, 
Jr., married Miss Sarah Perry, daughter of Western 
Perry. They had one son born to them, and Mrs. 
Rowe, his wife, died not long after. The son is 
living in the north part of the county and is a well- 
to-do farmer. His father married the second time 
and raised a large family of children. He died 
several years ago. I do not know the children by his 
last wife. 

In regard to those camp-meetings, I will say for 
my part, I have a profound regard for those early 
Christians. I revere the memory of those men who 



Sixty Years in Texas. 85 

fought the first battles, and I love all that tends to 
revive their memory. I delight to think of the deeds 
of love, and wish there was more of the zeal that 
actuated the advanced guard being experienced by 
the ministers of our own time. Who that ever felt 
the love of Christ in his heart does not experience a 
heavenly emotion when he passes over a camp 
ground? A train of thoughts will come rushing 
through his mind as he thinks of the stirring ser- 
mons and the shouts of new born souls, and the good 
old songs that were sun with such spiritual fervor 
that angels seemed to catch the sound and waft it 
over the Battlements of Heaven, Such as, "How 
Firm a Foundation," "Ye Saints of the Lord," and 
"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," "Tune 
My Heart to Sing Thy Grace." The great 
generosity shown by the campers at those meet- 
ings will ever be remembered by those that 
took part in them, and their names will be 
loved and revered by all VN^ho knew them. I will 
name a few of them that so often come to my mind : 
The Webbs, the Knights, the Cochrans, the McKamys, 
the Armstrongs, and many others, whose unbounded 
generosity will be loved and admired by all who 
knew them. Long tables were spread and loaded 
with a bountiful supply of everything that was good 
to eat, and all of those from a distance received a 
hearty welcome, and wagon loads of corn were 
brought on the ground and those that came from a 
distance were invited to help themselves. Both man 
and beast were provided for. 



86 Sixty Years in Texas. 



The Indians 



In the winter of 1860-1861 the Indians made 
several raids into Parker, Clay, Cook and Denton 
Counties, and the settlers became alarmed and ex- 
cited. There was a company of one hundred men 
raised in the neighborhood of Trinity Mills, in the 
north part of Dallas County. We elected W. Hamp 
Witt, captain. We took no time to drill, but were 
off on the jump like minute men. I had a double- 
barrel shotgun, with one tube spiked, and I had no 
time or place to get a new tube put in. So I put a 
heavy load in the other barrel and promised them if 
I got in shooting distance I would give them the best 
I had in my shop. I started off on the jump with 
the company. We went through Denton, Cook and 
into Clay County, and ranged around a few days. We 
had such a formidable company I think we must 
have frightened all the Indians out of the country. 
We never did get in sight of an Indian. 

The country at this time was very much excited 
and there were wild rumors afloat. In the summer 
of 1860 Dallas was burned and the people were ex- 
pecting a negro insurrection. The burning of Dallas 
was laid to the negroes, and three negroes were hung. 
There were two Methodist preachers from Iowa that 
were accused of instigating the insurrection and put- 
ting the negroes up to burning the town. After hang- 
ing the three negroes, a great many of the negroes in 
the county were whipped. 

The two preachers were handled pretty rough. 
They were whipped and ordered to leave the country, 
and men fresh from the North were looked on with 
suspicion, and some good men were threatened. The 
summer of 1860 was very hot, 110 degrees in the 
shade, and in many places matches were known to 
take fire while on the mantel, or shelf. Some people 




WM. FURNEAUX, SR. 




MRS. FANNY JACKSON FURNEAUX 



Sixty Years in Texas. 91 

thought that was the cause of many of the fires. 
There was thedifferenceof opinion. Some of the prom- 
inent citizens said they had proof that the negroes 
did it, and the Methodist preachers were at the head 
of it. The negroes suffered, and many of them were 
whipped. Some of the slave-holders did not like to 
have their negroes treated so cruelly. I still thank 
the Lord that I took no part in it. These were excit- 
ing times, and great interest was at stake, and the 
great institution of negro slavery that we had been 
taught and believed was all right seemed to be tot- 
tering on its own foundation, and there was nothing 
left to do but secede and fight for slavery or submit 
to gradual emancipation or abolition. The negroes 
were treated very well by their master up to this 
time ; once in a while one was sold. Sometimes they 
were given the privilege of selecting their own mas- 
ters. 



WM. FURNEAUX, SR. 

Wilham' Furneaux, of Devonshire, England, was 
the third son of John and Maria Furneaux, of Dev- 
onshire, England, and in 1857, when seventeen years 
old, emigrated to Dallas County, Texas. 

Furneaux is a French name. William Furneaux 
is a descendant of a very old family. The Furneaux 
trace their ancestry back near the time of William 
the Conqueror, that invaded and conquered England 
in 1066. 

On September 19, 1861, he married Miss Fanny 
Jackson. They had four children born to them — 
Wm. Furneaux, Joseph H. Furneaux, J. L. Fur- 
neaux, and Mary N. Furneaux. He in- 
herited and accumulated a magnificent estate, 
that he was possessed of at the time of 
his death. He departed this life very suddenly and 
unexpectedly. May 6, 1884. His widow, Mrs. Fanny 



92 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Furneaux, now lives at 299 Worth street, Dallas, 
Texas, and Mrs. Mary McFarland, her daughter and 
husband, the druggist, are living with her. 

Mr. Vivian, an Englishman, came to the English 
colony during the war. He was a Confederate sol- 
dier, and as brave a man as ever saw Texas. He 
had said that he would never surrender his gun to 
a Federal soldier. His bravery was tested on several 
occasions during the war, and after the close of the 
war. The Federals stationed at Dallas had deter- 
mined to kill him, and a squad of soldiers was sent to 
the home where he lived on White Rock, near Frank- 
fort, and they slipped up on him and shot him in 
the house, and after shooting him, they knocked him 
in the head with their muskets, and one of the brav- 
est men that ever lived was murdered in that way. 

Mr. Wm. Kingwell came to the English Colony 
in 1848, and died, and a Mr. Lambshead came, he 
went west trading with the Indians and we lost 
sight of him. 



A. W. PERRY & WIFE, SARAH 

They were our near neighbors, and they certainly 
were the right kind of neighbors. There are only 
just a few such people as Uncle Elic and Aunt Sally, 
as we used to call them, and if they had any enemies 
I never knew it, and I lived in half a mile of them, 
or near them, for thirty or more years. A. W. Perry 
was not an educated man — that is, he did not have a 
literary education — but was a very practical man, 
and the boys would frequently say that he had more 
good horse sense than any man in the neighborhood, 
and a stranger talking with him would just as likely 
take him for a judge as a common farmer. 

A. W. Perry was the greatest provider for a 



Sixty Years in Texas. 93 

family that I ever knew. The abundance that he 
provided was wonderful, and no one ever knew of 
A. W. Perry and wife doing any light house-keeping. 
His neighbors and friends were always welcome to 
share with them the good things they possessed. It 
was always said he had the best orchard in that part 
of the county, and it was very seldom that he had 
less than one hundred bee stands, and it could be 
truthfully added that his place was a place that 
flowed with milk and honey. 

Mr. Perry and wife moved from Illinois in 1844 
with three children, and settled near the place that 
he died on. He died recently at the ripe old age 
of 86 or 87 years, loved and honored by all who knew 
him. He had accumulated a very large estate, and 
he raised a large family of fourteen children. There 
are six or seven of them now living, and the others 
dead. He made one division of his large estate many 
years before his death, giving each one a farm, and 
later, and not many years before his death, he made 
the second division. 

Mr. Perry was a partner with W. H. Witt, and 
they built what was known as the Trinity Mills. 
Later he sold to W. H. Witt, and it was known after 
as Witt's Mill. He was the original owner of the 
townsite of Carrollton, and laid oif the town and 
sold lots, and gave land for the M., K. & T. depot. 

Religiously, A. W. Perry and wife were Baptists, 
and most of their children were members of the 
same church. He joined the old Union Baptist 
Church, the first Baptist Church organized in the 
country. Said church was organized in 1846, with 
five charter members. He and his wife were always 
true to the Baptist faith. They were devoted Chris- 
tians from the time of their conversion to the time 
of their death. 

At the time Mr. Perry moved to Dallas County, 



94 Sixty Years in Texas. 

in 1844, the Indians were plenty then, and made 
raids and stole horses after that time, but he did not 
suffer much from the Indians. Mr. Perry was a 
very cautious and a very shrewd man. If all of the 
people were such people as A. W. Perry and wife, the 
Millennium would be near at hand. We would need 
no sheriff, no police, no jail, no courthouse, no peace 
officers of any kind, but every man and every woman 
you met would be your friend, and we would almost 
have a heaven upon earth. Mr. Perry moved to Texas 
at a time when it tried men's souls, but he overcame 
every obstacle and surmounted every hill of diffi- 
culty, and was very successful in all his undertak- 
ings, and he departed this life without a stain upon 
his character. 



JOHN HENRY BROWN 

Late of Dallas, was born in Pike County, Mis- 
souri, Oct. 29, 1820, five months before that territory 
became a State. His family is essentially one of pa- 
triots and historical worth. The originator of the fam- 
ily came across the ocean in the time of Lord Balti- 
more. Captain Henry S. Brown, the father of John 
Henry Brown, came to Texas in 1824, as an Indian 
and Mexican trader, and was in many Indian fights. 
He often commanded companies against the Indians, 
defeating them near where Waco now stands, and 
in 1825 north of San Antonio, and in 1827 on the 
Nueces, and led his company to victory in many oth- 
er fights in Central Texas, where there was such a 
bloody warfare for many years with the Indians. 
He died suddenly in Brazoria, July 26, 1834. Brown 
County, created in 1856, was named in his honor at 
the request of many old citizens. His wife survived 
him until April 30th, 1861. She died at her home 
in Lavaca County, Texas. 




JOHN HENRY BROWN 



Sixty Years in Texas, 97 

To write the history of John Henry Brown would 
require a large volume. He is known in Texas, and 
favorably known. It is not the leading and great 
men of Texas only that know John Henry Brown, 
but his name is a household word in the homes of all 
the common people of Texas, and all the long time 
during his active and useful life he has worked in 
the interest of the people, and for the welfare of our 
beloved State. His services and advice have been 
eagerly sought after wherever he has lived in our 
great State, and he has been prominent in the an- 
nals of Texas as a pioneer, legislator, soldier and his- 
torian. He departed this life without a stain upon 
his character, honored by the people and loved by 
his neighbors. 



THE COCHRAN FAMILY 

John M. Cochran has been a resident of Texas 
since his early childhood, and has been identified 
with the interests of Dallas County as closely as any 
man that has lived in the county. He was born in 
Tennessee, June 28th, 1838, and his parents moved 
to Dallas County, Texas, when John was three years 
old. He received a good education. He graduated 
with honor at the McKenzie Institute on Red River 
and was qualified to fill almost any position. His 
father was the first county clerk of Dallas County,, 
in 1846, and later, in 1847, he was sent to the first 
Legislature. 

My father and family became acquainted with 
the Cochran family in 1848. Mr. William M. Coch- 
ran was instrumental in securing our 640 acres of 
land. We were detained at Mount Pleasant, in Titus 
County, by sickness, and did not arrive in Peters' 
Colony until after the 4th of July, 1848, that being 
the last day of grace. Mr. Cochran brought it up 



98 Sixty Years in Texas. 

in the Legislature, and the member from Titus Coun- 
ty, being acquainted v\^ith the circumstances, corro- 
borated the facts stated by Cochran, and we secured 
our land by a special Act of the Legislature. 

John H. Cochran, the subject of our sketch, has 
served as a member of the Legislature six terms, and 
was Speaker of the House in the Sixteenth and the 
Twenty-third Sessions. He served Vv^ith ability and 
had the confidence of the people at home. He was 
postmaster of Dallas County during Cleveland's first 
administration, and was also County Assessor in 1862. 
He served the County long and well. He was never 
accused of trickery, and no word of suspicion was 
ever spoken against him. I was his neighbor for 
many years, and his partner in business for one 
year, and can testify to his worth and honesty. He 
married Miss Martha Johnson, of Young County, in 
1860. They had six children born to them, William 
and James, their two oldest sons, died just as they 
attained manhood. They were two promising young 
men. They were my next-door neighbors during 
their sickness. Mr. Cochran lived in Young County 
a short time, and he has often told me about the 
Indian fights and the close places he has been in. 
The Cochrans have been closely identified with the 
county. A. M. Cochran has been a member of the 
Legislature of Dallas County and was also postmas- 
ter of Dallas. He is a Republican in politics, and 
has held many places of honor and trust in the coun- 
ty. In 1886 he was the Republican nominee for 
Governor of Texas, and made a canvass of the State. 

William P. Cochran, deceased, was a prominent 
citizen, and took an active part in politics. He own- 
ed the old homestead, six miles north of Dallas, and 
was reared to farm life. He enlisted in Sixth Texas 
Cavalry in 1861, and went all through the war, and 
was in many battles — Pea Ridge, Corinth, Inka, 




JOHN H. COCHRAN 



Sixty Years in Texas. 101 

Holly Springs and forty-six days fight before At- 
lanta. He departed this life a few years ago. 

James M. Cochran, another brother, was reared 
to farm life and is a successful farmer and stock 
raiser. Of late years he has been living in Dallas. 
He was County Commissioner in 1905 and 1906. He 
is now engaged in the real estate business under the 
firm name of Jacoby & Cochran. 



OBADIAH KNIGHT 

Was a native of Virginia, and when a young man 
removed to Tennessee, where he engaged in agricul- 
ture, which he pursued until 1846. In that year he 
came to Dallas County, Texas, and settled in Pre- 
cinct No. 1, in four miles of the little village of Dal- 
las, He purchased a thousand acres of land, which 
he placed under cultivation, and he was the owner 
of slaves, although he was opposed to the principle 
of bartering in flesh and blood. 

Mr. Knight was twice married. There were five 
children of the first marriage; all of them are dead 
except Gabriel A. The deceased are, William A., 
Elizabeth Mallard, Dr. John W. and Mrs. Judge Bur- 
ford. The second marriage was to Miss Hughes, 
and the children of this union are, Laura, who died 
in 1870 ; Mattie A,, deceased ; Sarah Catharine, Mar- 
garet B., William H., Epps G., who is favorably 
known throughout the entire county. He was 
County Collector for three terms, and a very efficient 
Chief of Police for several years. The next son is 
R. E. L., a lawyer by profession, and has become 
very prominent, and is considered one of the ablest 
lawyers at the bar. Archelaus J., the youngest liv- 
ing son, is a well-known real estate man of Dallas, 
and is now doing a good business under the firm 
name of Aldredge & Knight, at 239 Main street, 



102 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Dallas, Texas. Monroe, Henry, Josephine and Lula 
died in childhood. 

From this father, Obadiah, sprang a large and 
influential family, that have done much for Dallas 
County. 

Mr. Knight was a member of the Methodist 
Church and one that was respected and looked up 
to. He was identified with the Democratic party, 
and was of the most honored and respected of the 
early pioneers, and left behind him a name that will 
be revered while memory lasts, and the influence of 
this good man has been the cause of many other liv- 
ing better and more useful lives. 

G. A. Knight, the oldest son, enhsted in the First 
Texas Artillery and served for four years, and par- 
ticipated in some of the most noted battles in the 
conflict, and after the surrender he returned to Dal- 
las County. September 8th, 1869, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Hannah E. Jenkins, a native of 
Dallas County, and a daughter of William Jenkins, 
who was the first Sheriflf of Dallas County. Nine 
children Vv^ere born to them, two of whom died in 
infancy. Those living are, Alma L., William Bur- 
ford, Andrew G., Mattie, John J., Adaline and Lu- 
cile. Mr. Knight engaged in farming, and remained 
on the farm until 1889, and then located in the city. 
He has held several offices in the city. He was a 
member of the City Council for several years. He 
has acquired a large estate and owns and lives in an 
elegant residence on North Harwood street, and 
has been a consistent member of the Methodist 
church for many years. 



DAVID MYERS 

Was a Baptist preacher of the old school, and 
gave his time and services to the good cause, and 
received but small pay in this life. He was a man 



Sixty Years in Texas. 103 

of pleasing address, and a good and earnest preach- 
er. He organized the first Baptist Church in Dal- 
las County, in 1846, known as the Union Baptist 
Church, located near the town of Carrollton. He 
also organized a Church on Rowlett's Creek, and 
the Bethel, Liberty and probably other churches. 

He was active in the work, and trusted the Lord 
for results. The old pioneers had but little money. 
As a Texas pioneer preacher he sufi'ered many hard- 
ships and privations. During his entire ministry I 
don't think he received as much as $500.00; but he 
seemed to delight in his w^ork, and the Lord only 
knows the great influence for good he did among 
the old pioneers. 

It was at the cabin of David Myers that my 
father and family stopped at the end of our long 
journey from Devonshire, England, to Peters Col- 
ony, and we received kind treatment from the old 
pioneer preacher and his family. We remained there 
some time, until we could secure a cabin to go into, 
and the Myers family have always been our friends. 

The first sermon preached by David Myers in 
Dallas Countj^ was a funeral discourse, delivered in 
June, 1846, and his last sermon was preached at 
the Bethel Church, a church that he had organized. 

He departed this life March 9th, 1853, honored 
and loved by all who knew him. He was in active 
service, preaching to the pioneers of Dallas, Denton 
and Collin Counties for seven years, and died at the 
age of 56 years. 



JAMES A. SMITH 

The great pioneer preacher was our neighbor, 
and a friend of every person, and especially to the 
members of the English Colony, and we held him in 
high esteem. He lived 9 miles from our home. 



104 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The following chronological sketch was written 
by Mr, Smith himself: 

James Anderson Smith, son of Joshua Smith, son 
of John Smith. 

My mother, Mary Smith, was the daughter of 
William and Nancy Anderson. They were born in 
Ireland — emigrated to South Carolina after their 
marriage, where my mother, their first child, was 
born in the year of our Lord, 1774. My grandfather 
Anderson was killed by the British in a skirmish 
shortly after Sumpter's defeat near Camden, S. C. 
My grandfather Smith was a native of Maryland, 
and descended from a Welch family; he emigrated 
to Virginia, Prince William County, about the year 
1760, where my father was born in the year 1765. 
From thence he moved to South Carolina in the year 
1769. My parents were married in the year 1794; 
lived in South Carolina until 1804; moved to Ten- 
nessee, settled in Robertson County, near Spring- 
field ; in 1818 emigrated to North Alabama, Lauder- 
dale County, and in 1843 emigrated to Mississippi, 
Tishomingo County, where my father died in Sep- 
tember, 1845 ; also my mother died a year or two af- 
ter, in Franklin County, Alabama. I was born in 
Chester District, S. C, Sept. 25, 1801; married to 
Anne Kilten, Feb. 26, 1828; emigrated from Missis- 
sippi to Texas, Dallas County, in the wint-r of 
1846-7. 

The late Rev. Wesley Smith, in his bo^«<, "My 
Family History," I find the following: "My brother, 
James A Smith, was converted at a praye"'-meeting 
in Franklin County, Ala., in 1831; was ^T^pointed 
class leader of his society soon after his conversion, 
which position he held until 1834, when he was reg- 
ularly licensed to preach. I also have in my posses- 
sion his ministerial credentials as elder in the M. E. 
Church, South, signed by Bishop Kavanaugh. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 105 

"Soon after his arrival in Dallas County he lo- 
cated eight miles north of Dallas, between the Pres- 
ton and McKinney roads, built his log cabin home 
and opened up his farm. He and his family were 
not only satisfied with the country, but delighted 
with it. At the first he felt himself identified with 
it and its future interests ; he directed his efforts to 
its development materially, socially and morally. 
Never once did he sigh for the flesh pots of Egypt, 
though enduring the privations and hardships of 
the pioneer. He was optimistic in his views and 
inspired all others with his cheerful confidence as he 
looked to the future for the fulfillment of his high 
ideals. But as uninterrupted success and happiness 
is not the portion to mortals given, so it was with 
Mr. Smith, when the greatest trial of his life came 
upon him, when the death angel came and took from 
him his loving, devoted wife. On April the 3rd, 
1861, Vv^hen surrounded by husband and children, 
to whom her life had been devoted, she left us all, 
in answer to the summons of her Lord to come up 
higher, and though he bowed in meek submission 
to the will of his Heavenly Father, yet the blow was 
so heavy, the breaking of the cords that bind around 
the heart was so severe, he never recovered fully his 
joyous spirit, but when the Civil War, now immi- 
nent, sent forth its mandate "To arms," and the 
dark gloom of war hovered over his loved country, 
his patriotism asserted itself with incomparable de- 
votion and energetic efi"ort to cast all, if necessary, 
upon its altar. He gave liberally of his substance 
to aid in the prosecution of the war, and though his 
health was rapidly failing, he withheld not his sons, 
but bid them all go to the defense of his loved South- 
land. Though confined to his room, this long weary 
time, he ever had a deep interest in the affairs of his 
country, watched with unabated interest the prog- 



106 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ress of the war, never complained or murmured on 
account of physical suffering. 

After two years from the death of his wife this 
life's conflict was over. Like St. Paul, he had 
fought the good fight, "he had kept the faith ; hence- 
forth there was laid up for him a crown of eternal 
life which the righteous Judge shall give to the final- 
ly faithful." Better than to speak myself, I will ap- 
pend a tribute of love and respect from three of his 
particular friends. 

The "In Memoriam," by the Rev. W. K. Hasten, 
a minister of the North Texas Conference, written 
soon after his death. A tribute by the late Joseph 
Morgan, which has ever been highly prized by the 
family as coming from one whom no one knew 
better of Mr. Smith's private inner life. 

A contribution to the "Texas Christian Advo- 
cate" of November, 1905, by Rev. W. H. Hughes, a 
friend and co-worker, who, after a lapse of more 
than forty years, tells of his abundant labors, his 
usefulness, and unvarying faithfulness as a minister 
of the gospel, in the establishment of the church, in 
the early settlement of Dallas County. 

In Memoriam. 

Rev. James Smith departed this life at his resi- 
dence in Dallas County, April 15, 1863. He came 
to this country a minister in the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, South, and labored with great accepta- 
bility, both to the church and to the people, as a 
local preacher. As a citizen, Mr. Smith was 
true to his country and took great interest in its ad- 
vancement, was never found lagging in any of the 
enterprises that seemed to promise its development 
and general welfare. As a neighbor, he was kind 
and obliging. As a friend and companion in the 
closer walks of life he was true, confidential and 



Sixty Years in Texas. 107 

benevolent. As a Christian he was constant and 
unmovable. As a preacher he was earnest, a clear 
reasoner, and at times was almost overpowering in 
pathos and eloquence. Was more successful in his 
pulpit exercises than most men, as hundreds in this 
and the adjoining counties can testify. He has more 
fruits as a preacher, perhaps, than any minister in 
this section of the county. Hundreds through his 
instrumentality have been brought to Christ and 
added to the Church of God. 

He died as he had lived, in favor both with God 
and man. He retained the full vigor and strength of 
his intellect and reason until the very last moment 
of his life. 

The writer of this sketch was with him from 
early in the day until he died at 8 p. m., conversed 
with him much, in regard to his acceptance with 
his Heavenly Father, and it is for the consolation 
of his children and friends that I will say that from 
the frequent interviews I had with him during his 
long and painful sickness I never found him dis- 
posed to murmur or complain. He often told me 
he did not wish to choose whether he should live 
or die; he loved his family and friends very much, 
but he had a strong desire to be with Christ, and as 
he was passing into the very jaws of death, and 
while his children were weeping around him, he 
called them to him, laid his hand upon each of their 
heads and blessed them in the name of the God of 
Jacob. Thus passed away from our midst one among 
the very best men in all the land. 

W. K. Hasten. 

Tribute of Mr. Joseph Morgan to 
Rev. James A. Smith. 

" This is my beloved Son. Hear Him.' 

"Such a truth! How grand! How glorious! 



108 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Hear ye Him, give heed to His teachings. Attend 
His calls. Obey His commandments. Die with Him 
to sin, as He died for sin. Arise with Him to new- 
ness of life. Live with Him a life of holiness, benev- 
olence and humble devotion. So may I believe, at- 
tend, obey, and live with Him forever. So might 
it be. J. A. S." 

The above was written in pencil on the cover of 
a book entitled The Christ of History. These few 
lines written by the Rev. J. A. Smith a short time 
previous to the close of his earthly pilgrimage dis- 
cover to us the source of that pure strain of benevo- 
lence and humble devotion which flowed so unvary- 
ingly from his full heart, and from which many 
of us have so often drank and been refreshed. He 
did believe, he did attend, he did obey, and now he 
is gone from us to live with Christ forever. Let 
those, his own words, be his epitaph written not 
on a gorgeous monument, for he despised outward 
show, and cared but little for the praise of men — 
but written with the pen of love in the memories of 
all who knew him, friends or foes. Repeat them to 
your children's children. Teach them by word and 
example to follow him as he followed Christ. So 
may we all attend, believe and obey, and with him 
live with Christ forever. Amen. 

Joseph Morgan. 

Rev. James A. Smith, a Pioneer Preacher. 
(By W. H. Hughes.) 

Ingratitude towards those who in anywise have 
contributed to our comfort and prosperity is one 
of the most detestable elements in human nature. 
But ingratitude toward those who have gone before 
us and have borne the burdens and inconveniences 
of frontier life is too often found in Church and 
State. Jesus said to His disciples, "One soweth 



Sixty Years in Texas. 109 

and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that where- 
on ye bestowed no labor; other men labored and ye 
entered into their labors." This is true of thou- 
sands in Texas to-day, who are occupying fat places 
and reaping a rich harvest in fields on which they 
bestowed no labor. These pleasant places have been 
created and made possible through the labors of 
Rev. James A. Smith and others who took their 
lives in their hands and endured the labor, defied the 
dangers of wild beasts and savage men and con- 
verted these prairies from a vast wilderness into a 
veritable paradise of Christian civilization. 

To preserve the memory of this noble man of 
God, and give some little recognition to his merits, 
I write this imperfect sketch of a few of the many 
virtues of my old friend and co-laborer, who was the 
first local Methodist preacher in Dallas County, and 
who did more perhaps than any other one man to 
Christianize and Methodize the early settlers of this 
community. In 1846 Brother Smith left Mississippi, 
came to Texas and settled near what is now Caruth 
Chapel. His family consisted of his wife, three sons, 
John Wesley, Joshua Fayette, and William Robert, 
and two daughters, all of whom have long since pass- 
ed over the river. William Robert became a preach- 
er and member of the North Texas Conference, 
Brother Smith found but few people in this vast 
country, some of whom were Methodists, who were 
like sheep in the wilderness without a shepherd. To 
these he began at once to preach, and they heard him 
gladly. Brother Smith was in many respects a re- 
markable man. His piety was of the type of John 
the Evangelist, whose life was always even and con- 
sistent. He did not seem much elated by success, 
nor depressed by adversity. He seemed to feel God 
at the helm, and he was content. He had a pleasant 
Wesleyan face and was an attractive speaker and 



110 Sixty Years in Texas. 

preached with demonstration of the Spirit and pow- 
er. I have at no time heard a more earnest and elo- 
quent local preacher than was James A. Smith. 

He was of a preaching family. Had two broth- 
ers, William and Wesley, in the Texas Conference, 
both strong men. He was a prudent man and of a 
genial temperament. He was popular with saint and 
sinner, and officiated at almost every wedding and 
funeral among the early settlers. Unlike most of the 
first settlers, he was a man of considerable means, 
which he used liberally in building up the cause of 
Christ. While he was indifferent perhaps to a fault 
about personal dress, yet his manner was that of a 
polished Christian gentleman, and he was modest 
as a lady. The first Methodist organization in Dal- 
las County was in 1844, in the house of I. B. Webb, 
which w^as only sixteen feet square. This society 
consisted of the following names (as near as I get 
from the record) : I. B. Webb, Mary Webb, W. M. 
Cochran, Nancy J. Cochran, Mary Byrd, C. and J. 
Harris, David Shahan, James Shelly, Caroline Shel- 
ly. To this little company he preached regularly, 
and the people for many miles came on foot, in ox 
wagons and horseback, to hear the word. It was 
not an uncommon thing then for people to go ten or 
fifteen miles to preaching when an increased popula- 
tion necessitated a larger house for worship. Brother 
Smith was the largest contributor to build Cochran 
Chapel, which was the first Methodist Church built 
in Dallas County. This house was 30x40 feet and 
cost $1600. It was dedicated without debt, by the 
Rev. J. W. P. McKenzie of precious memory. The 
land for the church and graveyard was given by 
the widow of W. M. Cochran. 

Brother Smith was the forerunner of John the 
Baptist who prepared so well for the future de- 
velopment of Methodism which we now enjoy. The 



Sixty Years in Texas. Ill 

little vine thus planted in the wilderness has grown 
as rapidly as Jonah's gourd vine, and its fruit is as 
luxuriant as the clusters found by the Hebrew spies 
in the promised land. Cochran Chapel soon number- 
ed its members by the hundreds. As the country 
settled up the remoter members became the nucleus 
of other organizations. Thus in less than one man's 
lifetime this little band has multiplied into more 
than 5,000 members in Dallas County alone, and this 
little home as a house grew into more than a score 
of commodious churches. 

His death was all we could expect or desire, after 
such a life. His last illness was protracted through 
many months, and he sank gently and peacefully into 
the arms of his Master, Whom he had served so 
well. He often spoke of the peace of God that filled 
his soul with joy, and removed all fear of death. 
His life and death were indeed beautiful and trium- 
phant. "His witness is in heaven and his record is 
on high." 

He was one of God and Nature's noblemen. 

THE NOBLEMAN. 

The nobleman is a Christian man, 

And one God loves to bless. 
For he helps a fallen brother 

When he finds him in distress. 

His heart is tender and compassionate, 

And free from care and strife. 
And every man is his brother, 

Although his station is low in life. 

The passions and the weakness 

And the sins of fallen man 
He prays to be forgiven 

As per God's eternal plan. 



112 Sixty Years in Texas. 

I don't aspire to be a judge, 
But those may judge who can; 

But in the day of reckoning 

There may be many and many a sham. 

Proud gentlemen and ladies 
In full dress to church will go, 

And take a place of prominence, 
And try to make a show. 

We see them in the churches. 
And we meet them on the street. 

With pride and dress they are all puffed up 
And do not care to speak. 

These men and women of the world 
That hold their heads so high, 

A few short years will tell the tale. 
When they'll lay down and die. 

And a few short months may still pass on 
And their bones and flesh be rotten, 

And the fools that held their heads so high, 
Will then all be forgotten. 

Courage, merit and Christian kindness 
Are the deeds esteemed so high. 

And are treasured in the human heart, 
And can nev'er, never die. 

The title of nobility 

That God to man imparts 
Is righteousness and wisdom 

And a kind and loving heart. 

Kings may grant their titles, 

And cause their noblemen to rule. 

With hearts as black as midnight. 
And vindictive, cross and cruel. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 113 

The world measures men by wealth and rank, 

And what they can control; 
But God, He measures moral worth. 

The mind, the heart, the soul. 

— Geoj^ge Jackson. 



THOU GOD SEEST ME. 

Oh God, to Thee the heart is known, 

Each action and intent; 
From Heaven Thine everlasting throne. 

The searching spirit is sent. 

Thou seest the penitential tear, 

Thou hearest the mourner's sigh. 
Desponding soul, dismiss thy fear. 
For lo! thy God is nigh. 

The thoughts, though hid from mortal sight, 

Are open unto Thee. 
Light as the day is darkest night. 

Oh God, Thou seest me. 

Though I should mount on eagle's wings 

And soar through realms of air. 
Still to my soul Thy presence clings, 

For Thou art with me there. 

To Thee eternity's as an hour, 

Infinite space a span; 
Nor time nor space can stay Thy power, 

Yet Thou rememberest man. 

When death's chill hand has stayed life's tide, 

And glazed my sightless eyes, 
Thy presence then my soul will guide ; 

My soul without Thee dies. 



114 Sixty Years in Texas. 

What comfort to the Christian's heart 

When Hfe's short race is run; 
The Judge doth know me, not in part, 

But all that I have done. 

—W. R. Smith. 

Isaac B. Webb and family came from Missouri 
in 1844, and settled on Farmers Branch. He built 
a house or room 16x16, and in this house the first 
Methodist organization of the county took place in 
1844. This society consisted of the following names, 
as near as I get the record : I. B. Webb, Mary Webb, 
W. M. Cochran, Nancy J. Cochran, Mary Byrd, C. 
and J. Harris, David Shahan, James, Shelly, Caro- 
line Shelly. This little company the Rev. J. A. 
Smith, the pioneer preacher, would preach to, and 
others from a distance would come to hear him. The 
Webbs were all good Methodists and took a great 
interest in the camp meetings of later years. 

These old pioneers did a great deal to help the 
religion and morals of the early settlers of their day. 
Their liberality and earnestness touched the hearts 
of many that were trying to live better lives. Wil- 
liam D. married Olivia Merrill. She died several 
years ago. J. Witt married Miss Sarah Dennis. She 
died and Mr. Webb married again. They are living 
in Dallas. The oldest daughter married Jack Dennis. 
They raised a large family. Mr. Dennis died a few 
years ago. The next daughter married Howard Cox. 
They also have a large family. They all live near 
Farmer's Branch. Another one of the daughters, 
Saphronia, married Mr. Ford. They now live in 
Dallas. His son, I. W. Ford, is a. prominent lawyer 
in this city. A Mr. Taliaferro married Anna Webb, 
another daughter. They also live in this county. J. 
Newt. Webb married Miss Donnell and died a few 
years after. Samuel Webb died when a youth. 






MR. HARRISON C. MARSH 




MRS. POLLY MARSH 



Sixty Years in Texas. 119 

All the descendants of those good old Methodist 
pioneers are highly respected, and have made good 
and upright citizens. 

Harrison C. Marsh and wife, Polly, came to 
Texas in 1843, from Missouri. He had only lived in 
Missouri four years. He moved from Kentucky, 
being a native of that State. They had seven chil- 
dren born to them, two sons and five daughters. 
Thomas C, the oldest, married Hannah Husted. 
They lived on the place he first improved until his 
death. He died several years ago. His widow died 
recently. They raised a family that is highly respec- 
ted by all who know them. 

J. D. Marsh, the second son, married Rebecca 
Perry, a daughter of Western Perry, and they had 
nine children born to them — Harrison F. Marsh, 
Fanny, Hollis W., Laura R., John D., who died in 
childhood, Henry C, Walter, Chas. D., and Thomas. 
Mrs. Marsh departed this life in 1880, age forty-two 
years. Mr. Marsh married again in 1883 to Miss 
Fanny Williams. They had two daughters born to 
them. He departed this life a few years ago. The 
widow and two daughters are now living in Dallas. 
Mary Ellen married H. C. Daggett, of Fort Worth. 
He departed this life many years ago. Mary, 
second daughter, married J. J. McAlister. They 
are living in Dallas. Elizabeth J. married E. 
B. Daggett. They are living in Fort Worth. Martha 
A. married Mark Allison, of this county. Charlotte 
M., known by the name of Pete when a girl, married 
W. 0. Neill of Tarrant County. 

The old home of Harrison and Polly Marsh brings 
to mind many pleasant recollections. It was there 
the young people loved to meet. We had many a 
party there, and always had a good time, and those 
dear old people were always so good and kind to us. 



120 Sixty Years in Texas. 

When I think of them, and while I write these lines, 
my eyes are moist. I cannot restrain or keep back 
the tears. May God bless them and theirs, as I be- 
lieve they richly deserve. They lived and died on 
the same place they first improved. Mrs. Marsh 
died first, and was buried near the old home. Mr. 
Marsh would often visit her grave, and seemed so 
lonesome, but was patiently waiting to cross over 
and join her in the great beyond. 

James M. Kennedy, deceased, was our nearest 
neighbor. His mother located the adjoining section 
to my father's headright. They were from Alabama, 
but moved to Arkansas, and in 1845 moved to Texas 
with her two sons, J. M. and Henry Kennedy. James, 
the oldest, was 15 years old. Henry was probably 
eighteen months younger. In 1849 Henry left his 
mother and brother and went to California during 
the gold excitement of that year, and made a fortune 
in California, but never returned to Texas, and 
James and his mother were left to struggle alone on 
the frontier. He received a very limited education, 
but was a man of more than ordinary intelligence 
and soon became a skillful and practical frontier 
man. He was a good hunter and a dead shot, and 
meat a plenty was always provided for the family. 

He was very industrious and successful in busi- 
ness, and became a full partner in 1860 with W. H. 
Witt in the splendid property known as Trinity 
Mills, with a large store in connection with the mill. 

James Kennedy married Miss Prudence Rowe 
in 1853, an English lady, the daughter of W. B. and 
Prudence Rowe. They came from Devonshire, Eng- 
land, in 1848, and settled on Farmer's Branch. She 
died in 1855, leaving one son, William. He is now 
a wealthy farmer and stockman that has raised a 



Sixty Years in Texas. 121 

large family and is now living in the north part of 
the county. 

In 1858 Mr. Kennedy wedded Miss Scharlotte 
Drake, daughter of George D. and Rachel Tomkins 
Drake. They emigrated to Texas in 1855 from 
Marshall County, Illinois. They had nine children 
born to them, two dying in infancy. Six are now 
living, George, the oldest, Samuel and James, twins, 
Marsh, the youngest son; Ella Prudence, the oldest 
daughter, married G. F. Myers, son of Rev. J. M. 
Myers. They were married in 1885. She died in 
1890, leaving three children ; Emma, the next oldest 
daughter, married Charles Jackson, one of my 
brother John's sons. They have three children. 
Mattie, the third daughter, married Andrew Jack- 
son, my brother John's youngest son. They have 
two children. Both families live in Carrollton. They 
are farmers, each one of them having a good farm. 
They also have a brick plant at Carrollton that has 
been engaging their attention lately. 

Mr. Kennedy when the war broke out had ac- 
cummulated quite a fortune, but most of it was 
swept away during the war. He enlisted in the Con- 
federate army in 1861, W. H. Witt's company, Dar- 
nell's regiment, and soon after transferred to Scant- 
ling's squadron, in which he remained until the war 
closed. After the exemption law William Jackson 
was made captain of their company, and 
James Kennedy was promoted to first lieutenant. 
He participated in many skirmishes and a number 
of battles. I have heard my brother say frequently 
that he was as brave a soldier as ever carried a mus- 
ket. He was frequently placed in command of 
squads that were sent out as skirmishers. 

He departed this life several years ago. His 
widow is still living on the old homestead near Car- 
rollton. 



122 Sixty Years in Texas. 

JUDGE NAT M. BURFORD 

Was born in the State of Tennessee, June 24th, 
1824, and was a son of John H. and Nancy McAlis- 
ter Burford, natives of Virginia and North CaroHna 
respectively. His parents were pioneers of Tennes- 
see, and were married in that State. The father was 
a farmer by occupation. He served as captain in 
the war of 1812, and distinguished himself for 
bravery and courage. He ended a long and useful 
career in 1862. His wife died in 1870. They were 
sturdy, noble souls, people of great integrity and 
nobility of character, and representative types of 
the early settler. 

Nat M, grew to maturity in his native State. 
After a careful preparation by private tutors, he 
entered Irvins College and took the full course of 
that institution. He then read law, graduated at 
the Lebanon, Tennessee, law school, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1845, beginning an active prac- 
tice the following year. In January, 1847, he moved 
to Texas and settled in Jefferson, where he resided 
until October, 1848, at which time he settled in Dal- 
las, where he has been a prominent factor in the de- 
velopment and progress of the State. 

So rapidly did he grow in popularity and public 
esteem that in 1850 he was elected District Attorney. 
He served the term with great satisfaction to his 
constituency, and was re-elected to the office in 1852. 
In 1856 he was elected Judge of the Fourteenth 
Judicial District, which comprised a wide territory, 
sixteen counties. He traversed the section under 
his jurisdiction in primitive style, and was always 
received with bounteous hospitality by the settlers. 
During his administration the State was passing 
through a transition period and many cases of grave 
and serious importance arose. His clear conception 



i^y 



f>; 



-/^{"^^ 




JUDGE NAT M. BURFORD 



Sixty Years in Texas. 125 

of law, coupled with a prompt decision and unflinch- 
ing adherence to his convictions, enabled him to 
master the situation under all circumstances, and 
won for him a wide and lasting reputation. 

During his official career he became the personal 
friend of General Thomas, and made the acquaint- 
ance of many other persons of distinction. In 1862 
Judge Burford was made colonel of the 19th Texas 
Cavalry in the Confederate service, and held the 
position until 1864, when he was obliged to resign 
on account of ill health. He resumed his legal prac- 
tice and was soon elected a member of the Eleventh 
Assembly of Texas, and was chosen Speaker of the 
House. He was in 1876 again elected District 
Judge, an office which he resigned at the end of two 
years. Since that time to the time of his death he 
lived a retired life. 

Judge Burford was united in marriage in 1854 
to Miss Mary Knight, a native of Tennessee. Eight 
children were born to them. Mrs. Burford died in 
1888. She was a faithful wife, a fond and careful 
mother, and a woman of great nobleness of charac- 
ter. The children who survived the mother are 
named as follows : Mattie, the wife of William Free- 
man, Robert Lee, Jeff M., and Mary. The children 
have all enjoyed superior educational advantages, 
and have made the most of their opportunities. 

Judge Burford was a student all his life, and was 
one of the most cultured gentlemen in Dallas Coun- 
ty. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and 
for many years he served as vestryman. Both in 
public and private life he has lived above reproach, 
and Dallas County was proud to claim Nat M. Bur- 
ford as one of her representative citizens. 

One had to know Judge Burford to appreciate 
him. His mind and intellect was superior to the 
common man. His memory was remarkable. Gov- 



126 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ernor Roberts said that he had the best memory of 
any man in the State. His rehgion was the Golden 
Rule. He v\^as generous to a fault. No one ever applied 
for help without being given freely. He abhorred 
hypocricy, and was truly a friend to the widow and 
orphans, and during the long period of his practice 
he never accepted a fee from an attorney. He was 
a friend always to the young lawyers, and never too 
busy to give them advice and in his quiet way to see 
that they got some clients. 



JAMES M. PATTERSON 

The pioneer merchant of Dallas, was born near 
Lexington, Kentucky, in 1812. He came to Texas 
in 1846, and settled on the Trinity River. Where 
Dallas now stands there was a settlement of five or 
six families living in log cabins. He embarked in 
the mercantile business soon after coming to Dallas 
with J. W. Smith, buying their goods at Shreveport 
and transporting them on wagons drawn by oxen a 
distance of 200 miles, and the firm name of Smith & 
Patterson did business in Dallas for many years and 
was known throughout the county. In 1851 this 
firm built a flat boat and shipped a boat load of cot- 
ton and hides down the Trinity River. They were 
the first to navigate the Trinity from Dallas. 

Judge Patterson was a man of good judgment, 
and was successful in business. He always made 
his promises good. He married in 1848, on Farmer's 
Branch, in Dallas County, to Miss Sarah E. Self. 
In 1854 he was elected Chief Justice of Dallas Coun- 
ty, and served six terms until 1866. During his long 
term of office the affairs of the county were wisely 
administered. He served as judge with credit to 
himself and satisfaction to his constituents. During 
the war he lost much of his property, and had to 



Sixty Years in Texas. 127 

begin life anew. His energy and perseverance soon 
brought him success again, and when Dallas began 
to grow his landed estate began to increase in value, 
and he retired from active business many years be- 
fore his death, and lived in ease in the declining 
years of his life, and left a magnificent estate that 
made his children wealthy. He departed this life at 
the age of 93 years, honored and respected by all 
who knew him. 



LANCASTER 

The town of Lancaster is situated 14 miles south 
of Dallas, and is a very solid, substantial town. There 
is nothing of the mushroom order about it. It is a 
very old town, one of the oldest in the county. She 
has the best of schools and churches, and most of 
the conveniences found in larger cities, and is sur- 
rounded by as rich land as can be found in Texas. 
She has two railroads, the M. K. & T. and a branch 
of the H. & T. C. Railroad. 

The town was incorporated in 1886, and since 
that time has grown more rapidly. There were a 
number of energetic pioneers that settled near Lan- 
caster in an early day, that have done much for that 
town. The Whites that were originally from Tennes- 
see moved to Texas in the year 1851 and settled near 
Lancaster and improved a farm, and a few years 
after they moved to Lancaster and have done much 
for the town, and have become very wealthy. 

Jones Green and family settled near Lancaster 
in an early day, also Captain Mid Perry. They were 
prominent and useful men in building up the coun- 
try, and I have no doubt but many of their descend- 
ants are living in Lancaster or near the town. 

The Henrys became identified with Lancaster in 
the early sixties, and have done much for the town. 



128 Sixty Years in Texas. 

and have become very wealthy. The elder Henry 
and family came from France and settled in what is 
known as old French Town, three miles west of Dal- 
las, in 1855. These French people after a year or 
two scattered about, and their descendants can be 
found in almost every neighborhood throughout the 
country. 

Thomas McKee Ellis was another one of the 
early pioneers that settled near Lancaster. He 
moved to Dallas County in 1845, one of those brave 
and hardy men that helped to blaze out the way and 
have done so much for Texas. He contributed his 
share in converting the wild wilderness of Texas 
into a veritable Paradise, and I have no doubt but 
many of his descendants are living in Lancaster or 
near, and have done their share in building up the 
town, and making it the substantial and beautiful 
place that it now is. 

Roderick Rawlins is another one of the old pio- 
neers who moved to Texas from Illinois in 1844 and 
settled on the section of land that Lancaster now 
stands on. 

A. Bledsoe moved to Dallas County, Texas, from 
Kentucky, in the year 1847, and he bought one-half 
of R. Rawlins' headright and proceeded to lay out 
a town on the land and sell lots, and he named the 
town Lancaster, after the place of his birth in Ken- 
tucky. Mr. R. A. Rawlins married Miss Virginia 
Bledsoe, and became the son-in-law of A. Bledsoe, 
who has been very prominent in the affairs of this 
county. He was Comptroller for several years, and 
was also County Judge in 1867-8. 

The names herein mentioned are names of the 
old pioneers that have done so much for Lancaster 
and vicinity. Their names should be kept fresh in 
the memory of those that live and enjoy the comforts 
of this substantial and thriving town. The town now 



Sixty Years in Texas. 129 

is supposed to have fifteen hundred or two thousand 
inhabitants. 



FARMER'S BRANCH 

Was rather a noted place here in the early days, 
from 1842 to 1850. It was better known than Dallas. 
There was a blacksmith shop, a mill and a postoffice 
and a Methodist meeting house, and a number of 
families settled near there. Thomas Keenan and 
family came first, in 1842. The next was William 
Cochran and family, in 1843, and in 1844 Harrison 
Marsh and family came. I. B, Webb and family 
came in 1844. Rev. William Bowles, a Baptist 
preacher, came in 1844. He married Mrs. Rebecca 
Self. She had four children — Ann, who married 
Robert Walker; Sarah E., who married Judge J. M. 
Patterson ; Harvin H., and Chonac Self. They were 
most of them grown. 

R. J. West and family came in 1845. James 
Cheneweth and Thomas Cheneweth came in 1845 or 
1846. Hiram Vail came in 1845. David Shahan 
came in 1844. William P. Shahan came single in 
1844. John Nix came in 1846. James Armstrong 
and family came in 1846. Noah Good and family, 
1846. Elisha Fyke came in 1846. Archer Fyke, 1846. 
All of the above named lived on Farmers Branch, 
or near there, and there were many others that came 
at a later date. Rev. William Bowles built a mill and 
a blacksmith shop. He owned a negro named Jor- 
dan, that was a good blacksmith, and many people 
would come from a distance to Farmers Branch to 
get their blacksmithing done. For the want of a 
smith they were like the Israelites of old, that had 
to go to the Philistine country to get their coulters 
and plows sharpened. That was the only shop of 
that kind in the country. 



130 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The mill was not a modern mill by any means, 
and I shall not attempt to fully describe it, but will 
state that it was run with a rawhide belt, and every 
man that wanted a grist ground had to furnish his 
own power. Some would use an ox, others a horse 
or a mule, and it took patience as well as power ; and 
when the weather was damp and rainy the belt 
would stretch, and all the machinery was at a stand- 
still. 

Farmers Branch at that time was the most noted 
place in the county. They had a mill and blacksmith 
shop, a Methodist Church and a Baptist Church, 
both built in 1846, and a school taught by Mrs. R. 
J, West, and a postoffice, the first established in the 
county, and a small store. Isaac B. Webb was post- 
master. 



COL. JOHN C. McCOY 

To write of the history of Dallas County, or of 
the history of the great city of Dallas, it would be 
incomplete without the name of John C. McCoy. 
He was a gentleman commanding in appearance and 
venerable in the magnificent character he built up 
for himself as a true and efficient and worthy citi- 
zen. 

He was born in Clark County, Indiana, Sept. 28, 
1819, the youngest son of John and Jane Collins 
McCoy, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather. 
Rev. William McCoy, moved from Pennsylvania to 
Kentucky in 1790, coming down the Ohio River in 
a flat boat, and settled in Shelby County. He was a 
Baptist preacher, and made many hazardous jour- 
neys in Kentucky and also in Southern Indiana, 
crossing the Ohio River, and penetrated the forest 
of Clark County, a bold, brave man. He proclaimed 




COL. JOHN C. McCOY 



Sixty Years in Texas. 133 

the Gospel beneath great trees to the sparse settlers 
with gun at his side. 

Col. McCoy's father was married in Kentucky in 
1803, and afterwards moved to Clark County, 
Indiana. He entered land and improved it, and after 
that he moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and made 
that his home until his death, Sept. 3, 1859. His 
wife died Sept. 1st, 1835, in Clark County, Indiana. 
This worthy couple had ten children, four daughters 
and six sons, all of them grovv^ing to man and woman- 
hood except one daughter, but now all are dead. The 
eldest son, Lewis, was the father of John M. McCoy, 
Esq., of Dallas, Texas, who was the law partner of 
Colonel McCoy in Dallas for fourteen years. Isaac, 
the third son, was a prominent educator in Southern 
Illinois, and George R., a prominent physician, and 
William McCoy became a noted Baptist preacher in 
Indiana, and no man stood higher than he in the 
denomination. He was the continuous pastor of two 
churches for over forty-seven years. He died May 
22, 1891, and left surviving him a son. Rev. John E. 
McCoy, a prominent Baptist preacher. 

The youngest daughter, Eliza McCoy, was a mis- 
sionary to the North American Indians for nine 
years, beginning in 1844. She was the principal 
legatee of Col. McCoy to the magnificent estate he 
accumulated as a lawyer in Dallas, Texas. She sur- 
vived him about five years, but during that time she 
donated at least $75,000 of her estate to benevolent 
and religious institutions, and in her will she be- 
queathed almost all of the balance of her estate, 
value $50,000, to the cause of missions. She died 
November 8th, 1891, at Dallas, Texas. She was 
greatly loved, honored and lamented as one of the 
most exemplary of Christian women. 

Col, McCoy was reared on a farm to the age of 
fifteen years, when in 1834 he entered as a student 



134 Sixty Years in Texas. 

in the Clark County Seminary for one year, and was 
also a student one year in Wilmington Seminary, 
and in 1836 he returned to Clark County Seminary 
for another year. Thus closed his school days. 

His first employment was Deputy Circuit Clerk 
of Clark County, Indiana, two years. During his 
spare time he studied law. In 1839 he was engaged 
in re-surveying the Western County line of the State 
of Missouri from the Missouri River south to the 
Osage River. He was next employed as an enroll- 
ing agent and assisted in making payments to the 
various tribes of Indians for the Government, in 
Western Missouri. In 1840, he assisted in drafting 
the treaty between the Shawnee and Delaware In- 
dians and the Government for a portion of their 
lands to locate the Wyandotte tribe ; and on this land 
so acquired Wyandotte City was built, and there the 
remains of that tribe are still to be found. In May, 
1840, he returned to Indiana and resumed the study 
of law in the City of Jeffersonville, and in May, 1841, 
was licensed to practice law in the State and Federal 
Courts of Indiana and Kentucky. He soon secured 
a large and lucrative practice, which continued until 
his departure to Texas. 

The McCoy family that John C. McCoy was a 
member of was a remarkable family, sons and daugh- 
ters of a farmer, and they became useful and very 
prominent men and women in Illinois and Indiana, 
and John C. McCoy, that has been so prominent and 
useful in the affairs of Dallas County and held sev- 
eral offices of honor, could have been elected to 
almost any office within the gift of people, but his 
large and profitable law practice was such that it 
would have been a great sacrifice on his part to have 
given it up. He was our first District Clerk in 1846, 
and was District Attorney for a large district in 
1856, and was elected twice to the Legislature in 



Sixty Years in Texas. 135 

•1862 and 1864, and when Dallas County was organ- 
ized by John Neely Bryan, in which enterprise 
Colonel McCoy contributed his full share of brain 
work and physical labor, and his services were great- 
ly appreciated by those he had so faithfully served. 

On December 12, 1844, Col. McCoy having ac- 
cepted the position of agent and surveyor of Peters' 
Colony in Texas, he embarked for New Orleans en 
route to the wild scenes of the great Empire State, 
with a few others. They went by way of Galveston, 
and from there to the interior; to Houston in a 
steamboat by way of Buffalo Bayou, and from there 
with teams to Cincinnati on the Trinity River, and 
there constructed a raft or flat boat 61/2x36 feet, 
and placed their wares on said raft and proceeded 
up the river to Ft. Alabama, making such progress 
as their strength would permit. At that point they 
abandoned the boat and engaged two ox teams, and 
made better and easier progress to Fort Houston. 
There they left a part of their goods, and Col. McCoy 
and Captain Hensley bought two ponies, and they 
rode on in advance of their party on those bronchos 
to the place where Dallas is now situated, and they 
found Colonel John Neely Bryan established in a log 
cabin 10x12 feet in extent. He cordially received 
them. He was dressed in buckskin, and his feet en- 
cased in moccasins. 

In 1845 the Company started out to prosecute 
their survey, Capt. Hensley being called to Ken- 
tucky, Colonel McCoy fell heir to the absolute con- 
trol of Peters' Colony. 1846 he servered his connec- 
tion vv'ith the Colony authorities, and in June, 1846, 
he began his career as an independent but active and 
zealous citizen of Dallas County. He was the first 
to erect a frame house in the City of Dallas, and he 
introduced a style of architecture superior to that of 
the log cabin. He cultivated and beautified not only 



136 Sixty Years in Texas. 

his own home, but also extended his ideas into the- 
public interest of the county, and to him Dallas 
County was indebted for the magnificent trees that 
adorned the Court House square. 

In 1851 Col. McCoy was married to Miss Cora M. 
McDermett, daughter of J. B. McDermett of Penn- 
sylvania, and a brother-in-law of David R. Porter, 
Governor of Pennsylvania. His residence was 
situated on the corner of Commerce and Lamar 
Streets, and was the home of gayety and frequented 
by all who wanted to steal avv^ay from the cares of a 
busy life. His was a happy home, but destined also 
to be of short duration. The young wife, that gave 
him so much love and made his home a veritable 
paradise, was snatched away by the relentless jaws 
of death before the babe could lisp the holy name of 
Mother, and for over thirty-six years Colonel McCoy 
walked alone in the shadow of his ever present sor- 
row. 

In 1861, when the Civil War, ominous of the 
worst, broke forth upon the country. Governor Clark 
recognized administrative ability of the highest 
order in the systematic and determined character 
and will of Colonel McCoy, and appointed him to be 
quartermaster of the regiments commanded by 
Colonels Young, Simmes, Lack and Parsons. When 
these commands were mustered into the Confederate 
service Colonel McCoy was retained by Governor 
Clark in the military service of the State, and as- 
signed to duty as mustering officer for the regiments 
that were subsequently carried into the Confederate 
army by Colonels Burford and T. C. Haupe, His 
further duties as a military man were devoted to the 
enrollment of soldiers from Dallas County, and as 
Provost Marshal of the same. 

Colonel McCoy showed his strongest character- 
istic in his love for little children. In this com- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 137 

munity no man enjoyed so much esteem among the 
juvenile element as he, and even the humblest ap- 
proached him with confidence, Christmas they never 
failed to find him prepared for the visits of his little 
friends, and Uncle Mac's Christmas tree from the 
force of custom had grown into one of the established 
institutions of the ctiy. His invitations were given 
through the newspapers. No better nor higher 
eulogism can ever be pronounced upon his character 
than the single simple sentence, he was the chil- 
dren's friend. 

Colonel McCoy united with the first Baptist 
Church of Dallas in October, 1880, and was ever 
afterward an active and efficient member, aiding 
liberally in all Church work. His final summons 
came the 30th of April, 1887, when he departed this 
life mourned by his many friends. 

The following selection is from a tablet of thanks 
presented to Miss Eliza McCoy in return for a por- 
trait of Colonel McCoy presented by her to the Dal- 
las Commandery No. 6 Knights Templar: 

Miss Eliza McCoy, 

Dallas, Texas. 

Honored Miss: 

It was the pleasure of DALLAS COMM- 
ANDERY No. 6, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, to appoint 
the undersigned a committee, to express to you, 
thanks, for the highly appreciated and invaluable 
gift of the beautiful and life-like portrait of your 
deeply lamented brother, Col. John C. McCoy, Past 
Grand Commander Knights Templar of the State of 
Texas. His death caus'.d more unfeigned pain and 
regrets than perhaps ar y other mason in Texas who 
has passed the dark river to enjoy the celestial de- 
lights in the "great be.^ ond." 

The only consolation a mournful one, is that he 



138 Sixty Years in Texas. 

lived to the fullness of time allotted to man and like 
a sheaf of wheat, was cut down when fully ripe. No 
Mason in Texas can ever forget his zeal in behalf of 
masonry when wars and dissensions occurred be- 
tv^^een the North and the South, when nearly every 
Christian, social and benevolent organization in this 
State was disrupted and in many instances aband- 
oned, your honored brother. Sir Knight, John C. 
McCoy, at his own individual expense, paid Chapter, 
personal, lodge and commandery dues for members 
and kept the lights burning on all the altars of Free 
Masonry in Dallas. 

No Mason ever knew John C. McCoy, who did 
not love him and his grand character and his kind 
consideration to the wants of every destitute Mason, 
or his widow and orphans, have so endeared him to 
Masons that his noble countenance, his commanding 
person and his benevolent kindness has photo- 
graphed his memory on the hearts of every member 
of the order. 

Hoping, dear Miss, that you may live long to enjoy 
the high esteem of all who have the honor and pleas- 
ure of knowing you and your dear and noble brother, 
we are, sincerely and truly, 

Your friends and brothers, 

L. M. KNEPFLY, 
GEO. H. GREENE, 
A. A. JOHNSTON, 

Committee. 



CAPTAIN WM. McKAMY 

Moved from Rone County, Tennessee, to Texas 
in 1851, and stopped in Wood County one year, and 
in 1852 moved to Dallas County and bought the home 
and mill on White Rock, from Jack and Tom Mounts. 
He with his young wife and small family took pos- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 139 

session of the home and began to improve it. He was 
very successful in business, and soon accumulated a 
large landed estate. They had four sons and one 
daughter born to them ; Albert, the oldest, who mar- 
ried Ellen Simpson. He departed this life a few 
months ago, leaving a wife and large family. They 
have six grown sons. 

He also left a large estate in Denton County, a 
few miles from the old homestead. 

Mrs. Albert McKamy was the daughter of 
Lionel and Mary Simpson. John McKamy, the 
second son, married Anna Simpson. They own a 
large estate situated on the line of Collin and Dallas 
Counties, near Frankfort. Mary McKamy, the 
daughter, married Colonel Bishop, and she died near- 
ly thirty years since, leaving one son, William 
Bishop, a very wealthy farmer and stock man. He 
is now living on the old Simpson homestead. 

W. C. McKamy, his third son, has been our State 
Senator for two terms, and served one term in the 
House. He is now living on the old McKamy home- 
stead. Charles, his fourth son, departed this life 
many years ago, just about the time he was reaching 
man's estate. Capt. McKamy enlisted in Captain 
Lafayette Smith's company in Col. Stone's regiment, 
and served in that company until the troops were 
sent across the Mississippi River. The troops were 
dismounted and McKamy was detailed to take the 
horses home, and distribute them to the families. 
He then enlisted in Ben McCullough's regiment, and 
was elected captain. He was in the Battle of Elk 
Horn and other engagements, and later was trans- 
ferred to the frontier to Gen. Bourland's command, 
where he served until the close of the war. 

Capt. McKamy and wife were Methodists, and 
took a great interest in the camp meetings, and 
always provided liberally for them. Their residence 



140 Sixty Years in Texas. 

was near the old camp grounds on White Rock Creek. 
Mr. and Mrs. McKamy have both passed away. 
Mrs. McKamy died first, several years ago. They 
were honored and respected by all who knew them. 



ROBERT J. WEST 

Was born in Washington County, Tennessee, in 
1812, and there married Mary Ann Ryland, a native 
of the same county, and they moved to Texas in 1845, 
and settled on Farmer's Branch, and lived there until 
the time of his death. His family was reared on the 
same place and there grew to man and womanhood. 
Mr. West moved to Texas on account of his health. 
He had lung trouble, and was in failing health. He 
recovered rapidly after reaching Texas. 

Mr. West was prominent in the affairs of the 
county in an early day. He was the first Treasurer 
of the county, and one of the first County Commis- 
sioners. 

Mr. West was a slave owner, and treated his 
slaves with such consideration and kindness that his 
negroes thought more of "Old Master and Mistress" 
than any one else in the world. 

There were six children born to them, Helena, 
the oldest daughter, who first married T. J. Winn, 
and after his death Dr. C. C. Gillespie. J. R. West, 
of Dallas, is the oldest son. The late Robert H. West 
was his second son. He was County Judge of Dallas 
County, and also filled other offices of honor and trust 
in the county. He departed this life the 19th of 
April, 1905. Annie R., married William Winn. She 
departed this life many years ago. 

Martha Alise, married Thomas Floyd. 

Marie Catherine, who died in infancy. 

John West, Jr., son of J. R. West, is our County 
Surveyor and has been for some time. 




ROBERT J. WEST 




COL. T. J. NASH 



Sixty Years in Texas. 145 

THOS. J. NASH AND ELIZA FLOOD NASH 

Were natives of Virginia, both born near Appo- 
matox, and of Scotch Irish descent. Thomas J. 
Nash was born in 1808; went to Kentucky in 1815, 
being one of the pioneers of that State. He was a 
farmer by occupation, as also was his father, Thomas 
Nash, 

Thomas J. Nash received a superior education 
for a country boy of his day, and started out in life 
with fair prospects in Marion County, Kentucky. He 
was elected to various offices of minor importance, 
and when in his fortieth year was elected as Repre- 
sentative of his county to the State Legislature. 
Previous to this he raised a regiment of men and 
offered his services to the United States for the war 
with Mexico. His offer was not accepted ; the goy- 
ernment had more men than they needed. He was a 
Democrat, the Governor of Kentucky a Whig, and 
did not accept the the services of any colonel in Ken- 
tucky who was a Democrat. He came to Texas in 
1854, and settled six miles north of Dallas. In 1857 
he permanently located near Garland. He bought a 
large tract of wild land and improved it and devel- 
oped a fine farm, and by the time the war came on 
he had a good farm and plenty of stock, and about 
fifteen negro slaves, having brought four negro 
women and five negro men from Kentucky. 

He was a man of good judgment, and more than 
ordinary intelligence, and took an active part in poli- 
tics. He was elected County Commissioner in 1858, 
and his services to the county was very satisfactory. 
In 1861 he was chosen a member of the Secession 
Convention, and was made a recognized authority 
on many subjects, and especially on State rights. 

When the war came on he was getting up in years, 
and did not enter into active service, but he did what 



146 Sixty Years in Texas. 

he could to help the Confederate cause, as a civilian. 
In 1876 he was again elected County Commissioner, 
and served two years Vv^ith satisfaction to his con- 
stituents. 

For many years he was a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. He was also a consistent and active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, nearly 
all his life, and took great interest in Church affairs. 
He died March 3rd, 1886. His wife died July 7th, 
1873. She was a member of the same Church, a 
devoted Christian, and possessed of many amiable 
traits of character. Both she and her husband were 
honored and held in high esteem by all who knew 
them. Her father, Charles Flood, was a first cousin 
of the celebrated Peter Cartvx^right. 

Of their fifteen children eleven lived to be grown, 
and six still survive. The eleven are as follows : 
Lucy J., widow of Jerry Brown, resides in Seattle, 
Washington ; Marietta, deceased ; Isabella, deceased, 
wife of J. W. Jones; George W., of Grayson County, 
Texas; C. L., of this county; J. J., deceased; Adelia, 
deceased; Mary E., deceased, wife of T. J. Jackson; 
Thomas F. ; Albert R., a Methodist minister of Kauf- 
man County, who has been preaching in the North 
Texas Conference many years, and is now stationed 
in the tovv^n of Kaufman, Texas; Anna E., wife of 
John Jackson, of this county; Emma E., deceased. 
Thomas F. Nash, our present District Judge, has 
been elected by the people of this county twice to the 
Legislature. He served in the Seventeenth and 
Eighteenth Legislature, and he was also elected 
County Judge and served two terms, from 1892 to 
1896. He was elected District Judge in 1900, re- 
elected without opposition in 1904, and is now serv- 
ing his third term. 

T. F. Nash's father and grand father were both 



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A 


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ll 



JOHN H. COLE 



Sixty Years in Texas. 149 

slave owners, and his mother's father was a slave 
owner. His father owned about twenty slaves when 
the war ended and lost their value, of course, by 
emancipation. 

Thomas J. Nash, though a Democrat and seces- 
sionist, always believed in Henry Clay's doctrine of 
gradual emancipation. Again, he never would sell 
his negroes, because he could not well sell a whole 
family together. In othere words, he would not sell 
a mother from her child — a child from its mother — 
nor separate brothers and sisters. 



JOHN H. COLE 

John H. Cole, who departed this life last January, 
was a retired farmer of Dallas County. He was 
born in Robertson County, Tennessee, in January, 
1827, the fifth of ten children born to John and 
Mary (McDonald) Cole, natives of Virginia. His 
father moved to Tennessee in an early day, where he 
was a farmer and a physician. He was also one of 
the early practitioners of Dallas County, and in 1829 
he moved to Washington County, Arkansas, and im- 
proved a farm, and in 1843 he again came to Dal- 
las County. His 640 acre section of land that now 
joins the city is the claim that he first settled on. 
In the year 1850 there was a vote taken to decide 
where the county seat of Dallas County should be 
located, and Cedar Springs, not far from John H. 
Cole's place, Vv^as one point voted on, but failed to 
get the required number of votes. Dallas and Hord's 
Ridge each got a few more votes than did 
Cedar Springs. Dr. John Cole, the father of 
John H. Cole, was the first probate judge of Dallas 
County. He died in the spring of 1851. John H. 
Cole, the subject of our sketch, probably was identi- 
fied with Dallas County and its interest a longer 



150 Sixty Years in Texas. 

time than any man that has ever Hved in Dallas. 
He was nearly grown when he came, and from 1843 
up until his death, that recently took place, he has 
been an honored and highly respected citizen of 
Dallas. He was the first county surveyor of Dallas 
County, and was also the first notary public. His 
son, George C. Cole, that departed this life a few 
years ago, was a very prominent lawyer, and had 
held several offices in the county, being a member of 
the City Council for some time, and was once a can- 
didate for mayor, and went through one of the most 
exciting campaigns that has ever taken place in this 
county. He was defeated by a very small majority. 
John H. Cole has been interested in the welfare of 
Dallas a long time. He was here when Dallas was 
born, and he has been with Dallas and for Dallas up 
to the time of his death, and has seen Dallas grow 
from one or two families to ninety thousand peo- 
ple. 

He was an unassuming, quiet man but such men 
give strength and stamina to any country, and they 
are really the back bone and principal men of the 
country. He left four children that survive him — ■ 
John Dallas Cole, Margaret, wife of W. R. Myers, 
and Hester F., wife of Dr. Gillespie, and Cora A. 
Cole, at home; four dead; George C. Cole, Walter 
F. Cole, Annie L. Cole, and Lottie Cole. 

John H. Cole surveyed more land and located 
more homes than any man in Dallas County. He 
left a large and valuable estate and his children and 
grand children are wealthy. He was married in 
Dallas County, 1856, to Elizabeth Preston, a native 
of Tennessee and grand daughter of Capt. George 
Preston, an early pioneer of Tennessee, and a sol- 
dier in the Creek War. She departed this life in 
1891. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 151 

Happenings in Dallas Before 
the Civil War 

Files of the Dallas Herald from 1855 to 1860 
record some of the stirring scenes. Away back in 
1859 The Dallas Herald, under the capable manage- 
ment of Latimer & Swindell, was the leading weekly 
journal of North Texas, "With our Country, May 
she always be right, but right or wrong, our Coun- 
try," as its motto. The Herald was what would be 
termed in these days a live wire. For many years 
after the date given above the paper continued the 
most popular medium in this section. Under differ- 
ent managements, at different times, the policies of 
the paper were always progressive. Colonel W. L. 
Hall was the last owner of the original Dallas Her- 
ald. Colonel Hall is now a prominent lawyer and 
general attorney for the Texas & Pacific, but in 
those days he was a well known and an influential 
editor. He has a file of The Dallas Herald from 1858 
down to the time it was sold and discontinued, some 
twenty years later. The Colonel granted me the 
privilege of looking over these papers and getting 
what information I could and see what the doings 
of these early Dallasites were from week to week. 

The City of Dallas 1859— population, white 678 

Negroes — slaves 97 

Dallas, 1859, was a fild frontier town, and Co- 
manche and Wichita Indians roamed the prairies to 
the west of us. Under date of March 16th, 1859, 
The Dallas Herald announces that P. Ayers of Tar- 
rant County brings in the information of a fight 
between sixty U. S. troops and a large band of 
Comanches, and Wichita Indians. The fight took 
place near Fort Arbuckle. The soldiers had started 
from that point on a scouting expedition. Lieuten- 



152 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ant Powell, of Fort Arbuckle, was in command. The 
Indians were completely routed, several of them be- 
ing killed. The Comanches were the Sioux Indians 
of the Southwest. They were brave, cruel and a 
hardy people, most of them over six feet tall, and 
when painted for the fight they looked like some- 
thing terrible, and as late as the '70s they kept West 
Texas in a constant turmoil with their raids and 
barbarous cruelties. 

INDIANS RAID JACKSBORO 

Just before the War between the States began a 
series of depredations extending from the coast to 
the Canadian border. Dallas citizens responded 
nobly to the following letter which was printed in 
the Herald : 

"Jacksboro, Nov. 26, 1861. 

"I- am requested by the citizens of this place to 
ask your immediate assistance. The Indians have 
murdered three families within four miles of this 
town, and proceeded in the direction of Briscoe, 
murdering all who live there, as smoke is plainly 
seen rising from their houses. Never before have 
we seen so much anguish. Men, women and chil- 
dren lie mangled corpses, at the houses of Mrs. Gage, 
Mr. Landman and Mr. Hayes. Such atrocities have 
never before been committed in our country. I 
hope that every man who will turn out will bring as 
much bread stuff and ammunition with him as is 
convenient, and to remember to take mules and 
horses. Let no man hesitate who wishes our people 
well. This is a time of need to us, and the brave 
spirits of Parker County, we have to appeal lose no 
time in coming to our assistance." 

Mr. John Fields of Oak Lawn, Dallas, Texas, 
about this time was at Fort Arbuckle. The 
Comanche Indians then were very bad. He was 



Sixty Years in Texas. 153 

somewhat acquainted with a Comanche chief that 
was half civihzed, and through him he learned that 
the Comanches had three children by the name of 
Savage. They were of two families. Their fathers' 
names were Bolan and James. They were killed and 
scalped when the children were stolen. Mr. Fields 
got one of the arrows that one of the Savages was 
killed with. Their wives got away. Mr. Fields 
made a bargain with the old chief for the delivery 
of the children to Fort Arbuckle. The chief brought 
the two boys but left the girl, and Mr. Fields had to 
give a horse, saddle and bridle for the girl. Th^ 
mothers no one knew where to find them. Mr. 
Fields rode to McKinney and advertised them in the 
McKinney Messenger, and one of the mothers got 
the news, and soon claimed the children. The other 
mother was found near Lewisville, Texas. The 
mothers wanted to give Mr. Fields a fine horse, but 
he refused to accept it. The horse was about all 
they had. The Mr. Savages were killed and 
scalped, and the children stolen near Comanche 
Peak. Not a great many years ago a reporter for a 
paper heard Mr. Fields telling this story, and he 
published it, and not long after he received a letter 
from the Mr. Savages. They now reside in Texas. 
Their names are Sammy and Jimmy Savage. The 
girl's name was Malindy Savage. She married, her 
brother says in his letter, and raised a large family. 
She died not many years ago. From 1858 to the 
close of the war Texas was threatened from almost 
every quarter, and it has always been a wonder to 
me how she escaped as well as she did. 

Secession Convention met at Austin February 
18, 1861. In North Texas there were a great many 
union men, but there was a majority favoring seces- 
sion in Dallas County, and quite an exciting election 
when the candidates to the Secession Convention 



154 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Vv^ere elected. For the purpose of considering the 
question the following names were elected from Dal- 
las County : J. B. Smith, J. B. Floyd, Pleasant Tay- 
lor and T. J. Nash. Mr. Smith resigned, and at the 
earnest solicitation of the voters of Dallas County 
E. B. Nicholson accepted the vacant place. The 
Convention met on the 18th of February, 1861, and 
an ordinance was passed dissolving the union be- 
tween the State of Texas and the other States united 
in compact, and styled United States of America. 
When the vote was taken Dallas County voted 741 
for secession, and 237 against it. 

The secession movement was strongly opposed 
in Grayson and Collin Counties, according to figures 
given by the Herald, as these two counties voted 
1849 against secession and 868 for it. The Dallas 
Herald reads that when the news of the vote in 
Texas was received the people of the city joyfully 
assembled at the Court House and saluted the Texas 
flag. In the meantime, John J. Good ordered the 
Dallas Light Artillery to assemble at Lancaster, 
armed and equipped as the law directs, with twenty 
rounds of blank cartridges. 

DALLAS CITY GOVERNMENT 

On April 10th, 1861, the Dallas municipal gov- 
ernment was composed of J. L. Smith, Mayor; J. 
M. McAuley, Constable; W. F. Murphy, Treasurer; 
G. W. Guess, Recorder; J. N. Smith, S. B. Prayer, 
W. W. Peak, T. W. Hunt, and George W. Guess, 
Aldermen. All these gentlemen were heartily in 
favor of secession, and assisted in the preparation 
for the coming struggle. About this time three 
thousand Mexican soldiers were reported in the 
columns of the Herald to be advancing on Browns- 
ville, Texas. Couriers brought in the news that 
some nine hundred hostile Indians were crossing 



Sixty Years in Texas. 155 

Red River into Texas. The French and English 
were beginning the war in Mexico. That would put 
Maximilian on the throne. Lincoln had called for 
75,000 volunteers. Texas with a small population 
had armed men crossing her borders from Okla- 
homa, Mexico and the East. The Herald rings with 
the preparations to meet these dangers. Such mer- 
chants as Jones & Dunaway, I. W. Wells & Bro., 
Mott & Peak, E. M. Stackpole, made generous dona- 
tions in flour and other supplies to the soldiers of 
Texas. The war was on, and for four years the 
country was to shake with the tramp of host and 
the roar of artillery until the final scene of the 
tragedy, Appomattox. 

THE HEDGECOX WAR 

In 1851 a company of men from Collin and Dal- 
las Counties held a meeting to consider what course 
to pursue and what was best to be done with Hedge- 
cox and the agents of Peters' Colony. The Hedge- 
cox office was situated in Denton County, about 
twenty miles north of Dallas. The pioneers were 
dissatisfied. The State of Texas was granting to 
heads of families outside of this Colony 640 acres of 
land, and to single men seventeen years old or over 
320 acres, and Peters and associates did not want to 
allow the emigrants to Peters' Colony just half that 
amount. The settlers became so aroused over it, 
they decided to take matters into their own hands, 
and they organized a company of a hundred men and 
elected John J. Good, of Dallas, captain and com- 
mander of the company, and they advanced on 
Stewardsville, that being the name of the place. It 
was known by that name in the other States and in 
England, where the Colony had been so liberally 
advertised, but here it was known as Hedgecox's 
Office. They took possession of the place, and gave 



156 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Hedgecox and his clerks notice to leave the country. 
Hedgecox or his daughter concealed or got away 
with part of the papers. The office was broken up 
entirely. 

The contract that Peters and associates had with 
the Republic of Texas was as follows : They agreed 
to deliver as many as two hundred and fifty families 
annually, with the privilege of getting as many as 
ten thousand families before the expiration of the 
time, which was July 1, 1848, the contract being 
made and entered into in 1843. Said company was 
to build or provide cabins for each family, and if 
the company failed to get two hundred and fifty 
families located annually the contract was null and 
void. For this service the Republic agreed to give 
every alternate section of land. But before the land 
was conveyed to the company the said company was 
to pay $12.00 in specie into the treasury of the Re- 
public for each section so conveyed, and the com- 
pany was to give settlers not less than one hundred 
and sixty acres or more than six hundred and forty 
acres to each head of a family. 

The Colony began at a point on Red River, and 
extended south one hundred miles to a point near 
Waxahachie, taking all of Dallas County, except a 
strip 3 miles wide on the east. The south line ex- 
tended west one hundred and sixty-four miles. 
Thence north to Red River. Thence east with the 
meanderings of the river to the place of beginning. 
Peters had a good part of the land surveyed in sec- 
tions of 640 acres, and half sections of 320 acres. 
It was a disputed question as to whether Peters and 
associates had fully complied with their contract or 
not.. However, the settlers were dissatisfied be- 
cause they were not getting the same quantity of 
land that the State was granting other settlers. The 
State made a compromise with Peters and associ- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 157 

ates, and gave them seventeen hundred sections of 
land in counties further west, and granted to set- 
tlers of the Colony 640 acres to families and 320 
acres to single men over seventeen years old. 

BIRTH OF DALLAS 

Late in November, 1841, John Neely Bryan, a 
Tennessean, who had spent some time in the settle- 
ments on Red River, camped alone and erected a 
tent on the banks of the Trinity, near the site of the 
court house, and remained alone till the succeeding 
spring, excepting when visited by persons looking 
at the country. In the spring of 1842, several other 
families having in the meantime arrived at Bird's 
Fort, the families of Capt. Gilbert first and next 
John Beeman — the former in canoes, the latter in 
an ox-wagon — abandoned the Fort and removed to 
Dallas, that of Beeman to remain permanently, but, 
after two or three years, Gilbert returned to Red 
River, Mr, Beeman, with his brothers and their 
families, had come to Bowie County, Texas, from 
Calhoun County, Illinois, in the year 1840, and 
thence he had moved out, as stated, to the Fort. 
Later in 1842, James J. Beeman, half brother of 
John, and family, came directly from Bowie County 
to Dallas. A few others came during that year, and 
a fevv^ single men and prospectors visited the place 
in that time. Mr. Bryan finally secured, as his head- 
right, 640 acres of land fronting on the river, long 
in its front, where a part of Dallas now stands. 

Dallas was named for George M. Dallas, Vice- 
President. In the year 1844 James K. Polk and 
George M. Dallas were candidates for President and 
Vice-President of the United States of America, and 
were the champions of the pro-slavery wing of the 
Democratic party and favored the annexation of 
Texas, and the cry went up during the entire cam- 



158 Sixty Years in Texas. 

paign for Polk and Dallas and the annexation of 
Texas, They were elected by a very large majority 
and inaugurated March 4th, 1845. The City of 
Dallas was named for the popular Vice-President, 
George M. Dallas. 

MURDER OF CLEMENTS AND WHISTLER, 

CHRISTMAS DAY, 1842— ESCAPE 

OF THEIR FAMILIES AND 

MRS. YOUNG 

A portion of the history of Collin County, in its 
first settlement, is so closely allied to that of Dallas 
that I condense a few of the facts. In the same 
month that John Neely Bryan camped at Dallas 
(November, 1841), Dr. William E. Throckmorton, 
from Fannin County, with his family, settled on 
Throckmorton Creek, near the present town of 
Melissa. (Dr. Throckmorton was, like the first set- 
ler of Dallas, a Tennessean, but had lived in Illinois 
and Arkansas. He was a man of sterling character, 
the head of a large family, of whom ex-Governor 
James W. Throckmorton was one. Throckmorton 
County Vv^as named for the father, and not for the 
son, by John Henry Brown, of Galveston, and Absa- 
lom Bishop, of Wise, in the Legislature of 1857-8.) 
In January, 1842, he was joined by Pleasant Wil- 
son, Edmund Dodd, Wm. R. Garnett, Garrett Fitz- 
gerald and Littleton Rattan. Soon afterwards, Benj. 
White, his son, Archy, and Wm. Pulliam settled in 
the neighborhood and John Kincaid on Hurricane 
Creek. A stockade was built at the Throckmorton 
settlement. Early in the summer, a number of 
families and single men, who had been a short time 
at Bird's Fort, abandoned it (as Beeman and Gilbert 
had done in March, when they removed to Dallas), 
and moved back to Throckmorton's settlement. They 



Sixty Years in Texas. 159 

were Henry Helm and family, — ^ Walker and 

family, John and James Wells, Bly, 

Doddy, B. C. Thompson and Joshua E. Heath. They 
built cabins in the stockade, but not long afterwards 
selected and settled on their own lands in the neigh- 
borhood, excepting Thompson, who died soon after 
his arrival. In November, 1842, Joseph H. Wilcox, 
David Helms and Joseph Harlan began a settlement 
on Wilson's Creek, but were broken up by the In- 
dians and joined Jack McGarrah in making a settle- 
ment at "Old" Buckner, the first county seat. Just 
before this, Wesley Clements, Samuel Young and 
Whistler, all with families, settled on Honey Creek, 
and erected cabins. A few days before Christmas 
(1842), young went back to the Inglish settlement, 
in Fannin, for provisions. On Christmas Day, Cle- 
ments and Whistler were at work in the bottom near 
their cabins, when, early in the forenoon, they were 
attacked by Indians, and Whistler killed on the spot. 
Clements was pursued towards the house. Hearing 
the guns, and then seeing her fleeing husband, Mrs. 
Clements, gun in hand, ran to meet him ; but she was 
too late. He was tomahawked and scalped within 
forty or fifty yards of the house, and she barely 
escaped into it in time, with the aid of Mrs. Young, 
to bar the door, present her gun and defy the In- 
dians. This she successfully did and they disappear- 
ed. In the meantime, Mrs. Whistler, who was at the 
branch, near the creek, heard the firing, then the 
screams at the house, and next the Indians pursuing 
the hobbled horse of her husband, which had on a 
bell. The bell was coming directly towards her. The 
branch was full from back water. She sprang in 
arhong driftwood, under the bank, keeping only her 
nose above water. The horse was caught immediate- 
ly above her. After everything became still, be- 
lieving all had been killed, she hurried down the 



160 Sixty Years in Texas. 

creek, through brambles and briars, to find the road 
leading back to Inglish's settlement. Her clothing 
was torn into rags, and her person sorely torn with 
thorns. But her father and mother had been slain 
by these demons, on the Brazos, some years before, 
and horror gave her both strength and speed. She 
finally found and followed the road to East Fork, 
which was too deep to cross. She went down, found 
a shallow place, crossed, returned to the road, and 
when she reached the open prairie, she was virtually 
naked and covered with blood. Seeing two men, with 
a wagon, approaching, she deflected from the road 
to pass them. They hailed her, but she hurried on, 
exclaiming that the Indians had killed all the settle- 
ment. They started toward her, but she ran so fast 
that they concluded she was deranged, and continued 
on to Honey Creek, and encamped. Very soon after- 
wards, Mrs. Clements, Mrs. Young and their chil- 
dren, after a flight of six miles, appeared on th'3 
opposite bank. The creek was up. The men felled 
a tree, crossed them over, and furnished from their 
scanty stores every available relief. They retreated 
as fast as possible, with them, to the settlement. I 
regret not being able to give the names of those two 
true-hearted pioneers. Mrs. Whistler had arrived 
in a deplorable condition, but was tenderly cared for 
by as warm and gentle hands as ever wrought for 
progress in the wilderness — for of such were the 
Inglish family and their associates. A party volun- 
teered at once to go out and bury the dead. This 
tragedy, on Christmas Day, 1842, vv^as the first anni- 
versary of the murder of Hamp Rattan, near Carroll- 
ton, in Dallas County. It was the third anniversary 
of Burleson's victory over the Cherokees at the 
mouth of the San Saba. And at the very hour at 
which Whistler and Clements were killed, and dur- 
ing many succeeding hours, three hundred Texas 



Sixty Years in Texas. 161 

volunteers, beleaguered by Ampudia and over two 
thousand Mexicans, though fated to a cruel cap- 
tivity, were winning imperishable laurels in the 
Mexican town of Mier. It was also in the womb of 
the future that a brother of one of those prisoners 
(one, too, v\^ho drew a black bean, and with sixteen 
others w^as murderously slain March 25, 1843) 
should be killed by Indians near Presidio del Norte, 
on Christmas Day, 1849 — the prisoner being young 
James Torrey and the other lamented David Torrey ; 
their brother Thomas, in the meantime, and equally 
lamented, dying on the treaty grounds at Johnson's 
Station, on the 28th of September, 1843. 

KILLING OF DR. CALDER, OF DALLAS, 
FEBRUARY, 1843 

In February, 1843, McGarrah, Wilcox, Helms, 
Harlan, Blankenship and Rice were engaged in 
building at the former's place, afterwards called 
Buckner, and, for a short time after the creation of 
Collin County in 1846, the county seat. About sun- 
rise one morning in that month. Dr. Calder, who had 
settled near Cedar Springs, in Dallas County, ar- 
rived there, riding one and leading another horse, 
en route to Inglish's. Soon af^er leaving, he was 
seen on foot, rushing toward the house and pursued 
by two Indians. The men at the house hastened to 
his relief, but in a cluster of trees he was slain and 
scalped ; and at the same time the relief party found 
themselves confronted by about sixty Indians, just 
risen from the high grass and very near them, and 
were greeted by a shov\^er of balls and arrows. They 
retreated into the unfinished house and stood on the 
defensive, using the cracks as port-holes. The chiefs 
angrily urged their clansmen to charge the house, 
but without success. It then became evident that 



162 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Dr. Calder had killed one of their number with one 
barrel of his shot-gun, which, having a percussion 
lock, then a new invention, was of no service to the 
savages, and was left, with one barrel still loaded, 
where the doctor fell. The numerous dogs on the 
place furiously assailed the red men, and all but one 
vvere killed. The Indians retired during the day, 
when the body of the doctor was carried to the house, 
and, a little after dark, the whole party retreated 
towards the Throckmorton settlement, and arrived 
soon after daylight. Eleven men soon returned and 
conveyed the dead body to that settlement, and it 
was interred on the Throckmorton place, besides 
those of Clements and Whistler. 

MURDER OF JAMISON, MUNCEY, WIFE, 

CHILD, TWO SONS AND YOUNG 

RICE IN 1844. 

In 1843, after the murders described, but few 
settlers ventured into Collin. McGarrah returned 
to his place, and was joined by his son-in-law, Jones, 
with George McGarrah, Fala Dunn and George 
Herndon. In 1844, among others, arrived Jacob 
Baccus and sons Godfrey and Peter and their fami- 
lies; John Fitzhugh and sons Robert and William 
(afterwards the gallant frontier captain and Con- 
federate colonel, who married Mary Rattan and was 

accidentally killed , 188 — ;) Leonard 

Searcy and his sons, Gallatin, Langdon, Thrashly 
and Thomas; William Rice; Thomas Rattan (father 
of John, Littleton, Hugh, Edward, and of the subse- 
quent wives of Wm. Fitzhugh, A. J. Witt, Jas. W. 

Throckmorton, Moore, Robert Dowell, Hogan 

Witt, John Kincaid, and other children) ; John Kauf- 
man; the old patriarch, ColHn McKinney, with his 
sons, William and Scott, and widowed daughters, 



Sixty Years in Texas. 163 

from Red River County, he being a signer of the 
Declaration of Independence in 1836; Wilham 
Creager, the Caldwells, John Hodge and others. 

In the fall of 1844 a man named Muncey, with 
his wife, three sons aged seventeen, fifteen and 
twelve, a child aged three years and an elderly man 
named Jamison, settled on Rowlett's Creek, near the 
line of Dallas County. They built and lived in a 
board camp hut, and were engaged in building a log 
house. The location was in dense timber. Leonard 
Searcy and William Rice, each with a son, went 
down into that vicinity on a camp hunt. On the 
first morning after pitching camp, Mr. Searcy went 
in search of Muncey's camp and found it, but stood 
aghast at the scene presented — Muncey and Jamison 
dead and untouched by mutilation on the floor of 
the hut, Mrs. Muncey, horribly mutilated, her breasts 
cut off, her blood and the blood of her assailants 
besmeared over everything and in coagulated pools, 
showing that after the stealthy murder of the men 
she had made a desperate and bloody defense with a 
bowie knife in the hut ; the child of three years lying 
by its parents with its head mashed into a shape- 
less mass. The horrible affair had occurred early on 
the morning of the discovery. At that time the Mun- 
cey boy of fifteen had gone to the Throckmorton set- 
tlement. The boys of seventeen and twelve were 
missing — had been carried away by the savage 
wretches — and were never again heard from; but 
subsequent discoveries rendered it quite certain that 
both were killed on the retreat by their captors. 

When Mr. Searcy reported these discoveries to 
Rice, their sons, on horseback, had gone out hunt- 
ing. The alarmed old men went in search of them, 
and soon came upon the mutilated body of young 
Rice. They mounted it on a horse and conveyed it 
ten miles to Wilson's Creek, where they found young 



164 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Searcy, who, seeing Rice killed, had escaped by 
flight, and was already getting aid to go in search of 
the two fathers. Adding to these atrocities the burn- 
ing of Thomas J. McDonald's house about the same 
time, it is a pleasurable relief to say that they con- 
stituted the last fatal depredations in the grand and 
noble county of Collin, linked with Dallas in birth, 
in tribulation and sacrifices for the more western 
frontier, and bound to her by hooks of steel in the 
memories — the loss of fathers, husbands, sons and 
brothers — the glories and the miseries of the civil 
war. As Johathan and David they have stood — 
confiding, trusting, loving — and God grant that so 
it shall ever be. 

THE GRAND PRAIRIE FIGHT AND PRES- 
TON WITT'S TRIUMPH, 
NOV. 25, 1846. 

In the summer of 1846 the few settlers in the 
upper part of Dallas County met at the house of 
Preston Witt, on White Rock Creek, and organized 
a minute company for mutual protection against the 
Indians, small parties of whom occasionaly depre- 
dated upon the settlers. The organization was de- 
signed by its members to be always ready, with 
horse, ammunition and provisions, to hasten pursuit 
and chastisement. Jesse Mounts was elected Cap- 
tain of the squad, and Josiah Pancoast orderly ser- 
geant. 

In the month of November of the same year a 
raiding party of Indians stole horses from Samuel 
Chowning and others on Barksdale's Creek, near the 
present line of Dallas and Denton Counties. Run- 
ners were dispatched to notify the members of the 
minute company, and twenty-two men promptly re- 
sponded, and as this is the fortieth anniversary of 



Sixty Years in Texas. 165 

the fight (this being written on Thanksgiving Day, 
November 25th, 1886), it is gratifying to give all of 
their names. Here they are: Jesse V. Mounts, 
captain ; Josiah Pancoast, sergeant ; Preston and 
Pleasant Witt (twin brothers), W. Hamp Witt, Wm. 
Barnes, Allen Bledsoe, James Gates, Thos. 
Chenowth, A. J. Clark, Robert Chowning, J. W. 
^;/Xhowning, Chas. Dernay (or Demay), Thomas 
Keenan, Jack Mounts, James Mathis, Joshua Mc- 
Cants, James Mooney, John Mitchell, John Noble, 
Alex. W. Perry, Robert Wilburn. 

The Indian trail v>^as followed by these volunteers 
across the Elm Fork of the Trinity, the upper por- 
tion of Grapevine prairie, through the lower Gross 
Timbers into Grand Prairie and southwesterly 
through it to a point very near where Decatur stands, 
when, about noon on the second day, several Indians 
were discovered a little in advance. Gapt. Mounts 
ordered a charge, which was promptly made. The 
Indians fled with all the speed they could command, 
and were hotly pursued; but only Preston Witt and 
William Barnes gained on them. Both selected an 
Indian supposed to be a chief, and when Witt was 
about closing the gap between them, the savage 
furiously sped an arrow which cut his suspenders 
asunder and slightly lacerated his breast. The war- 
rior had previously cast off his baggage, and now 
realized that he or his fearless pursuer must die. 
Escape by flight being impossible, he sprang from 
his horse, and Witt did the same, each holding his 
horse as a shield. Only a few feet separated them, 
or rather, only the Indian's horse. No time was to 
be lost by the red man, or Witt's friends would soon 
arrive. He rushed under his horse's neck with 
drawn knife, directly confronting his assailant ; but 
Witt seized his right hand with his own left, and 
with his right, by one superhuman thrust with his 



166 Sixty Years in Texas. 

bowie knife, disemboweled the wild man, who gave 
a dismal groan, walked a few paces, and fell to rise 
no more. Two Indians were killed and one, if not 
both, scalped. One or two others were wounded, 
but escaped by the fleetness of their horses. Witt 
took from his fallen foe several brass bracelets and 
other trinkets, which are yet in the possession of his 
son Edward. Several horses were recovered and re- 
turned to their owners. The affair, considered in all 
its bearings and the condition of those new settlers 
in the country, was highly creditable to all con- 
cerned, exceedingly gratifying to the people, and 
served as a warning to small parties of those wild 
freebooters. W. Marion Moon, then a youth, be- 
longed to this company, but was sick at the time. 
Elder John M. Myers and others of those few early 
pioneers also belonged to it, but on so short a notice 
it was impracticable for more to go; indeed, it was 
deemed essential for some to remain as protectors of 
the families. 

THE MURDER OF PHELPS AND 
OTHERS IN 1848 

The Murder of Phelps and Others in 1848. 
Josiah S. Phelps, who came to Dallas in 1844 or 
1845, was a surveyor. In March, 1846, he married 
Mrs. Melissa T. Jacobs, daughter of Alexander M. 
Harwood and sister of Alexander Harwood, whose 
name so often occurs as county clerk. In the begin- 
ning of 1848, and probably as early as 1846 and 
1847, Mr. Phelps was employed by the Peters' Colony 
Company to survey lands. At the time to which this 
narrative relates the headquarters of the colony for 
surveying purposes were at a village called Stewarts- 
ville, in Denton County. In the spring Mr. Phelps, 
with only two men, were surveying in the valley of 



Sixty Years in Texas. 167 

the Main or so-called West Fork of the Trinity. 
Their camp was in a grove on a mound, since bear- 
ing the name of Phelps Mound, on the north side of 
the stream, four and a half miles northwest of Fort 
Worth. One of the men was named James Wood, 
formerly of Indiana; the other is believed to have 
been named McCombs, or Combs, but there is some 
doubt about his name. 

James W. Chowning, yet living in Denton Coun- 
ty, was sent by the agents at Stewartsville with pro- 
visions in a two-horse wagon for the surveying 
party. It is probable he had left the party for this 
purpose; but of this I am not advised, nor is it 
material. 

On reaching the camp, Mr. Chowning was horri- 
fied to find himself alone and in the presence of three 
dead men, their bodies yet scarcely cold and lying in 
the tent, where, during the previous night — April 
9th, 1849 — and while asleep, they had been murdered 
by Indians, a considerable number of whom were 
raiding that portion of the country — so much so, in 
connection with swollen streams, as to prevent the 
Texas Rangers, then at different stations on the 
frontier, from sending a party in time to bury the 
unfortunate victims. A few persons assembled and 
performed the sad office — among them Mr. Conley 
and Mr. Thomas, whose widow, Mrs. Drusilla 
Thomas, lives in Jacksboro. They were buried half 
a mile west of the mound, the land being owned by 
Mr. Conley, who soon afterwards sold it to Mr. Far- 
mer, who disposed of it but a year or two since. 

The sadness of the occasion was augmented by 
the fact that Mrs. Phelps had died only about three 
months before, leaving an infant but a few weeks 
old, destined to grow to womanhood without father, 
mother, brother or sister. Yet, in her warm and 
noble-hearted uncle, Alexander Harwood, and his 



168 Sixty Years in Texas. 

estimable wife, married at a later day, she found 
protection, care and tender affection, to become in 
1870 the wife of Mr. Henry C. Miller. They live 
near Azle P. 0., in the northwest portion of Tarrant 
County. "Dickey" Phelps grew to womanhood in 
Dallas, and is remembered and held in esteem by the 
older citizens as a bright and amiable little girl and 
young lady. 

TEXAS IN THE EARLY DAYS SIXTY YEARS 

AGO. 

In the early days of Texas 

The deer and buffalo 
In herds were found so plenty. 

No matter where we would go. 

The wily Indians with his tomahawk 

Had nothing then to fear. 
And he lived in peace and plenty 

On the buffalo and deer. 

These herds and flocks they did inherit 
And the great Father gave the land ; 

But the advancing step did echo 
Of the greedy paleface man. 

The Indians they grew desperate. 

And painted for the strife. 
With their trusty bovv^s and arrows 

And a wicked, flashing knife. 

They swore vengeance on the white man, 
As their sharpener tomahawks they felt, 

And said the scalps of many a paleface 
Should dangle from their belts. 

The whites took possession of the country. 
And killed the deer and buffalo. 

And looked upon the Indian 
As a savage, treacherous foe. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 169 

During forty years of warfare, 

With death and blood and strife 
There has many a scalp been taken 

By the savage Indian knife. 

There were many tribes to conquer, 
And they had many ways to fight; 

They would lie in ambush in the day 

And attack in the dark and stormy night. 

They prowled along the southern coast, 

Both winter, fall and spring, 
Where the mosquitoes with their merry song 

Had such a business ring. 

Where the hideous alligators bellowed. 
And the owls had an Indian whoop. 

Near the slimy, muddy banks 
Of the sluggish Guadaloupe. 

They would steal upon them in the night. 
And when near would give a whoop, 

With tomahawks and scalping knives, 
Dov>^n on the Guadaloupe. 

The ferocious savage, ugly Kronks* 

As fierce as any beast. 
And every white man they could catch 

They would celebrate and feast. 

The Comanches and the Wacos 
Further north and west were found. 

Where the howling wolves and rattlesnakes 
And the prairie dogs abound. 

And the tarantula and the centipede 

And the little horned frog. 
That would make a fair collection 

Without the prairie dog. 



'They were cannibals. 



170 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Oh, the horrors here in Texas 
That these early settlers tell — 

It will cause your hair to stand on end, 
And make you thing of h — . 

The Comanches once declared for peace. 
And the council house was filled. 

But the program was not understood, 
And every chief was killed. 

The Comanches then went wild again. 

And laid many a vicious plan. 
And stole their wives and children 

And scalped many a butchered man. 

Oh! the awful bloody battles 
Between the white and red, 

The wounded and the scalped. 
And the dying and the dead ! 

But the white men were victorious, 
And drove the Indians from the land, 

Over the Western wilderness 
And across the Rio Grande. 

The privations and the hardships 
Of these hardy, fearless men 

Can never be described 
By language, word or pen. 



(The following verses may be a little over- 
drawn.) 

The hog then known in Texas 

Was a self-supporting grazer, 
With a nose as long as a walking stick. 

And a back just like a razor. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 171 

And the cattle were very slender, 

And almost as slim as a blacksnake whip, 

With horns that measured seven feet 
Across from tip to tip. 

The Spanish ponies and mustangs were as wild as 

any deer, 
And every time you rode one he would get up on his 

ear, 
And jump and pitch and buck and ball. 
And if you did not have the nerve, my boy, you 

would surely catch a fall. 

I cannot now describe them — 

I will not dare begin it, 
Kut simply say in passing 

They could run a mile a minute. 

And in drouthy times the land would shrink, 

And crack to beat the bang, 
And the cattle would fall in them 

And there by the horns would hang. 

The ticks were there by millions — 

I tell the very truth. 
For they covered up the cattle 

Just like shingles on a roof. 

They would begin to suck the blood of life 
From the time the calves were born, 

And their bodies had no chance to grow. 
And the calf all went to horn. 

And in Eastern Texas burning sand 
When the children went to school 

They would often hop upon a stump 
To allow their feet to cool. 



172 Sixty Years in Texas. 

It was there the hve mosquitoes 
Their merry songs would sing, 

And the fleas would dance to music 
That had a business ring. 

These troubles now have passed and gone, 
And are told in song and story, 

And the noble Indian once so bad 
We hope has gone to glory. 

— Geo. Jackson. 



TEXAS AT THE PRESENT TIME. 

Texas now is a delightful place. 

And is forging to the front. 
And there are modern towns and cities 

Where once we used to hunt. 

And our cattle are of the very best 
That is exhibited at the show. 

And nearly always take the premium 
Everywhere they go. 

And the hogs are of the very best 
That are brought upon the ground. 

And will weigh from seven hundred 
Up to a thousand pounds. 

And our horses, too, are very fine, 
And we have the best of every breed- 

The Norman and the Suffolk, 
Down to the Arab steed. 

We have free and universal education 
For the rich and all the poor. 

And everything that's needed 
Is delivered at our door. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 173 

And when the weather is growing warm 

We use the electric fan, 
And we all enjoy the comfort 

Of this artificial plan. 

We ride in electric carriages, 

In company and alone, 
And talk with people miles away 

Over the telephone. 

Our women are modest, fair and beautiful, 
And all like ladies, dressing neat. 

And are equal to the queens of old 
When seen upon the street. 

And our country is rich and beautiful, 

Although it was abhorred. 
It is like a flov^^ery kingdom 

Or the garden of the Lord. 

It has grown to a mighty nation, 

After going through the rub, 
And we have many commercial cities. 

And our Dallas is the Hub. 

— Geo. Jackson. 



FROM JOHN HENRY BROWN'S HISTORY 
OF DALLAS COUNTY 

By the kindness and permission of Miss Lizzie 
C. and Marion Taylor Brown, daughters of the late 
John Henry Brown, I have gotten the names of many 
of the officers of Dallas County from the beginning 
up to the year 1887 from John Henry Brown's His- 
tory of the County, and also the account of the Grand 
Prairie fight and the murder of Clements and Whist- 
ler and families, and Dr. Calder, of Dallas, and many 
others. I later became acquainted with nearly all 
of the men that were in the Grand Prairie fight. 



174 Sixty Years in Texas. 

They were our neighbors, and it has not been a 
great many years ago since I saw the scalp that 
Capt. Witt took of his Indian. 



ORGANIZATION OF DALLAS COUNTY 

The First Legislature of the State, on the 20th 
of March, 1846, passed an Act creating the County 
of Dallas. Said county being thirty miles square 
or 900 square miles, A further Act, approved April 
18th, 1846, provided that until otherwise provided 
by law that the town of Dallas shall be the seat of 
justice of Dallas County, and all the courts for said 
county shall be held thereat. Act. of '64, p. 93. 
A third Act, approved May 12th, 1846, appointed 
John Neely Bryan to appoint managers and order 
an election for organizing Dallas County, the elec- 
tion to be held according to existing law, the returns 
to be made to Bryan, who should issue certificates 
to all persons elected and make returns thereof to 
the Secretary of State. Act of '46, p. 242. 

An Act of the Second Legislature, approved 
March 20th, 1848, provided for an election for the 
permanent location of the County Seat, requiring a 
majority of all the votes cast to elect, and should 
donations of land be offered and accepted, William 
Jenkins, J. J. Beeman, William H. Hord, Micajah 
Goodwin and R. J. West were appointed commission- 
ers to lay out the ground and sell lots. The Act of 
'48 failed to settle the question, and on the 11th of 
January, '50, a somewhat similar Act was passed, 
an election to be held at the general election, August, 
1850, and at this election for County Seat the vote 
stood : 



Sixty Years in Texas. 175 

For Dallas 191 votes 

Hord's Ridge, near Oak Cliff 178 votes 

Cedar Springs 101 votes 

Total 470 votes 

Under the last election, on the 31st of the same 
month, the result was : 

For Dallas 244 votes 

Hord's Ridge 216 votes 

Total 460 votes 

A majority for Dallas of 28 votes. 

PETERS' COLONY 

The year 1841 was ushered in by an act of the 
government of Texas to encourage the settlement of 
this wilderness. On the 4th of February the Texas 
Congress passed "An Act granting land to immi- 
grants," in which a grant was made "to Joseph Car- 
roll, Henry J. Peters and others, their associates, 
therein named, for the introduction and settlement 
of immigrants," and authorizing the President to 
enter into contract with said parties and designate 
the territory into which they should introduce set- 
tlers, etc. The contract was executed by President 
Houston and Samuel Browning, attorney for the 
company — thereafter commonly known as the Pet- 
ers' Colony Company — on the 30th of August, 1841. 
It was modified November 20th, 1841, and again, 
through Horace Burnham, attorney of the company, 
July 26th, 1842. 

This enterprise, first discussed in 1840, the head- 
quarters of the projectors being in Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, is what drew attention to this unoccupied wil- 
derness and led to its settlement, beginning, as al- 
ready stated, with John Neely Bryan in November, 



176 Sixty Years in Texas. 

1841. The colony covered a large district lying on 
the south side of Red River and extending south, so 
as to include a large portion of Ellis. The east line, 
beginning at the mouth of Big Mineral Creek, on 
Red River and in Grayson County, ran about ten 
miles east of Dallas, so that all of Dallas County, ex- 
cepting a strip about three miles wide, on the east 
side, was embraced in the colony. Though there were 
subsequently acrimonious contentions between the 
contractors, who sought to claim a portion of each 
settler's land, and the colonists — involving matters 
of great interest then, but without interest now — 
the matter was finally adjusted by laws of the State, 
under which each head of a family received six hun- 
dred and forty acres of land and each single man 
half the quantity. 

The company widely advertised the enterprise, 
describing the country and its many natural ad- 
vantages, and this drew an excellent population from 
the Southern and Western States, more especially 
from Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee, 
who diffused themselves over the large territory, the 
limits now embraced in Dallas County receiving its 
full share. 

Prior to this many surveys had been made in 
this county by surveyors from Nacogdoches, to 
which all of Dallas County, east of the Trinity, be- 
longed till 1846 — Vv^hile west of the river, till the 
same time, belonged to the county of Robertson. 
Hence, from 1842 to 1846 the settler in Dallas, on 
the east, had to attend court in Nacogdoches, about 
200 miles distant, while his neighbor, a mile distant, 
over in the then unchristened and undreamed of 
suburb of Oak Clifi", had to do jury duty and answer 
for his errors, if any, at the now extinct, but then 
important, village of Old Franklin, 150 miles on the 
way to Houston. Say not that men with wives and 



Sixty Years in Texas. 177 

children, but without intelligence, courage and as- 
pirations for improving their condition, would have 
assumed the hazards, the hardships and sore trials 
through which alone success, peace, plenty and hap- 
piness, could be attained ! The gray-haired survivors 
of those stout-hearted pioneers — the middle-aged 
children of both the dead and the living, and the 
grandchildren of all — have just and rational cause 
to felicitate themselves in manly and womanly pride 
at the record made and the achievements won. 

The actual settlement of Dallas County, there- 
fore, began in the spring of 1842, when the first 
cabin was erected and the families of John Beeman 
and Capt. Gilbert being the first to arrive (Mrs 
Martha Gilbert being the first American lady) and 
relieve the loneliness of the adventuorous and true- 
hearted avaunt courier, John Neely Bryan, who had, 
for five or six months, been "monarch of all he sur- 
veyed" — provided, he neither surveyed red men of 
the forest nor the raging Trinity on one of its pe- 
riodic "spreads." He entertained them with the best 
he had — chiefly "bear meat and honey" — perhaps 
v/ithout recalling the adage about "entertaining an- 
gels unawares," yet it was verified in this case, for, 
ere a great while, the lonely son of Tennessee gave 
his heart and hand to a comely and pure-hearted 
daughter of Illinois, in the person of Margaret, a 
daughter of Mr. John Beeman, the same estimable 
lady yet surviving her faithful husband and, until 
recently, daily beholding the mighty contrast — Dal- 
las in its primeval state in 1842, and Dallas in 1908. 



WHEN I GOT THE GOLD FEVER 

In 1859 and '60 the gold fever broke out in Colo- 
rado, and spread to other States. It was very con- 
tagious. Texas did not escape, and in the fall of '60 
I had symptoms of fever, and before the winter had 



178 Sixty Years in Texas. 

passed it developed into a bad case, and my parents 
were somewhat alarmed, and when I told them thut 
there was no cure for it except a change of climate, 
they seemed to be very much troubled vv^hen I told 
them I had fully decided to go to Pike's Peak. Three 
other boys in the neighborhood had took the same 
raging fever, Dave and Tom Houstes and Lyman 
Drake, and we all decided to try our fortunes in the 
gold fields of Colorado, I had reached my majority 
and was possessed with the spirit of adventure. I 
knew that Texas was a very large State, but I de- 
cided it was too small to hold me. We soon rounded 
up a fine bunch of cattle, and each one of us had a 
wagon and ox team, and by the time the wild flowers 
were blossoming on the prairie we were ready for 
the trip. Fort Leavenworth or Leavenworth City, 
only about 600 miles distant from Dallas County, 
was the nearest and best point for us to buy our 
supplies and mining tools. 1 bade farewell to my 
father and mother, brothers and sisters, and friends, 
and all that were near and dear to me by the ties of 
nature, and made the start for Pike's Peak and thvO 
far West, and as we crossed the border into the In- 
dian country and left old Texas behind, our hearts 
were light, and our hopes for the future were bright. 
We did not even dream of the trouble ahead and in 
the near future. The war clouds were gathering. 
The Southern States had seceded. Texas was in the 
Secession Column. But we believed that the North 
would never attempt to coerce the South, We thought 
the hot blood of the South, with their dash and cour- 
age, would be too much for the timid Yankee. We 
moved slowly along with our herd of cattle, crossed 
brooks and swimming the large streams. Our cattle 
would stampede occasionally, and one night I was on 
herd the latter part of the night, and it had been 
raining. I rode quietly around the cattle, and the 




Q 

a. 

< 

CO 

UJ 

X 
H 



Sixty Years in Texas. 181 

whole herd had become very quiet. Nearly all of 
them were lying down. 

I was riding a young horse, and I had taken with 
me my gum coat or slicker, as we called it, and it 
was hung to the horn of my saddle. I could see the 
gray streaks of dawn in the east, and I had become 
very tired sitting on my horse, and thought there 
would be no danger in getting off, and I did alight, 
and was walking around holding to the bridle rein, 
Vx'^hen all at once in one second every brute was on 
his feet and in a mad rush, running right toward 
me. I made a jump for the horse, but missed the 
stirrup and landed on my stomach in the saddle. 
By that time the cattle were all around me, and the 
horse running like mad, and as soon as I landed in 
the saddle on my stomach the horse began to buck, 
and I thought my time had come. I tried to stick for 
dear life, but about the third or fourth pitch he 
threw me so high I turned a somersault and lit 
on my feet, and I know how it was, but I had that 
slicker in my hands, and I waved it up and down in 
a frantic manner, knowing that my life depended 
on it, and I could feel the hot breath of the cattle as 
they passed me. Saying "Baw, baw, baw," I suc- 
ceeded in splitting that herd of 640 head of cattle 
wide open, and made my escape without a scratch 
or a bruise. 

We moved slowly along with our herd and teams, 
nothing very strange taking place. We passed 
through a beautiful country, sometimes passing 
along a range of sun-kissed hills, skirted with beau- 
tiful groves of trees and rich valleys of land that 
stretched away a great distance, with clear streams 
of water runnig through them. I suppose it was 
just the same as God and nature left it after the 
creation, and never had been inhabited only by the 
roving Red man of the forest. We passed through 



182 Sixty Years in Texas. 

the Cherokee National, and found some improve- 
ments there, and one evening, just after we camped, 
several men rode into our camp. They were talking 
loud, and seemed to be excited. One of them, that 
seemed to be the principal spokesman, said that war 
had been declared and Lincoln had ordered out 75,- 
000 troops, and they were now marching south. 
He said his property was all niggers, and he was 
going to enlist in the army at once, and expected to 
fight the Yankees to a finish, and he thought every 
true Southern man should shoulder his musket and 

go and meet the enemy and give them . We 

agreed with him, and said that was just the thing to 
do, but we had started to the gold mines, and we had 
'Tike's Peak or bust" inscribed on our wagon sheets, 
and could not possibly turn back now. The men left 
us, and they seemed to be very anxious to get to the 
front. They were actually spoiling for a fight. 

We moved along day after day, and at last reach- 
ed the border of bleeding Kansas, and the people 
there seemed to be spoiling for a fight about as bad 
as the men we left in the Cherokee National, and 
when we reached Fort Leavenworth and Leaven- 
worth City, all was excitement. We could see squads 
of infantry drilling in every direction, and companies 
of cavalry dashing about, and blood and war seemed 
to be in the air. Most of the Southern States had 
seceded before we left home. Texas was in the Seces- 
sion Column, and we did not think any attempt 
would ever be made to force her back into the Union 
again. We sold our cattle, all but the teams, bought 
our supplies, loaded our wagons and headed for 
Pike's Peak and the far West. If I had remained in 
Texas I should have joined the Southern army with- 
out any hesitation whatever. 

But this trip put me to thinking. I read the 
Northern papers, and I studied about the institution 



Sixty Years in Texas. 183 

of slavery, and I would ask myself the question, is 
it right? I had been taught to believe that God ap- 
proved it and the Bible upheld it, and that it was 
a divine instituion. But the more I thought about 
it the more skeptical I became, and before the end 
of the first year of the war I was of the opinion the 
Confederacy and the institution of slavery was doom- 
ed. But I could not think of going into the Northern 
army. My friends w^ere in the South, the people I 
loved. My brothers were in the Southern army, and 
I did not have the heart to take up arms against 
them. 

We were several w^eeks crossing the plains, but 
we finally reached Denver, a town of twelve or fifteen 
hundred people. It was a wide open town, gambling 
halls on the lower floors and cappers in the streets 
trying to rope in the suckers. I visited one large 
gambling hall. Bands of music were playing, and 
there were tables all around and over the hall, with 
piles of gold and silver, and various different games 
that men could take a part in. I was told before I 
left home to never bet on another man's game, and 
I had decided not to try to make my fortune that 
way. We did not stay in Denver long, only a few 
days, and then moved on to Central City, in the 
mountains, and when we reached that point we 
found more war excitement than gold fever. 

I tried mining for a short time, but soon tired of 
it. I took the goods we hauled out for supplies and 
started a grocery store and added a bakery to it, 
and made a little money that way. The excitement 
continued and a part of the building that I occupied 
was used for a recruiting office, and a brass band 
and a big bass drum was playing most of the time. 
This recruiting was for the Federal army, but there 
were a great many Southern people there, and there 
was some recruiting for the Southern army, but they 



184 Sixty Years in Texas. 

were not quite so bold. One company was raised for 
the South and the officers elected. A man by the 
name of McGee, that lived in Parker County, Texas, 
was elected Captain, and a man by the name of Tuck- 
er was elected First Lieutenant, and Mr. B. M. Hen- 
derson, ex-sheriff of Dallas County, was elected Sec- 
ond Lieutenant. I roomed with Henderson, and I 
knew his family in Texas before I left for Colorado. 
He was a hot secesh, and talked too much. A num- 
ber of those fellows had very long knives, nearly tvv'o 
feet long, with a hole bored through the handle, and 
a strong twine string tied to it, and they would prac- 
tice with those knives and boast how they would 
carve Yankees with them. They would throve them 
quite a distance and then pull them back with the 
twine string. The company had a meeting place near 
Denver, and a camp, and the night before they were 
to start south in the morning, the officers went into 
the city, and they were all arrested. McGee and 
Tucker were put in jail. Henderson was so violent 
and talked so much the guard took him to the Piatt 
River and ducked him. It was in November, and the 
v/ater was very cold. They put him under guard in 
his wet clothes, he tried to make his escape and v/as 
shot and killed. When this news reached the com- 
pany they were at a loss what to do. Most of them 
scattered, all of them but thirty-two. That number 
started South, and when they got out on the Santa 
Fe trail they held up a train and robbed it. The Fed- 
erals soon got word of it and went after them and 
caught them napping, and the day I reached Denver 
bound for the States they were marched through 
the streets vv^ith handcuffs on them. I was thinking 
p.t one time of joining the company and coming 
tr rough to Texas, and I knew all their plans, but I 
finally decided to remain in the mountains, and I 
told them I could not arrange my business in time. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 185 

I heard afterwards that McGee and Tucker were 
released, but they kept them in jail quite a long 
time. I thought afterwards I was very fortunate in 
not joining them. 

We crossed the plains on our return with mule 
teams. Nothing very strange occurred. One inci- 
dent I will mention. One morning a lot of fellows 
came chasing a buffalo passing the camp, and the 
animal seemed to be gaining on them, and they gave 
up the chase. One of our boys grabbed his rifle and 
jumped on his horse and dashed after it full speed, 
and soon overtook the buffalo, and began snapping 
his rifle at him, but it would not go off. Failing in 
that, he drew his pistol and began shooting, and 
finally killed him, and we had buffalo meat a-plenty. 
Shortly after that he examined his rifle and found it 
was not loaded. We reached LeavenvN^orth City and 
remained there a few days, and from there we start- 
ed South. 

The weather was bitter cold, the ground covered 
with snow and sleet. We reached Southern Kansas 
and camped in the Marmaton bottoms for the win- 
ter. We would go to Fort Scott occasionally and get 
the war news. We read the papers and kept up 
with the movement of the army, and when winter 
broke and the spring came we decided to go back to 
the mountains and let them fight it out. We again 
went to Leavenworth City, and while there my mules 
w^ere stolen. I spent considerable money and som.-) 
valuable time trying to find them, but I never saw 
them again, and I was getting short of money, and I 
hired to the government and was sent with a lot of 
other men out into Missouri, where the Government 
had a large herd of mules, and we had to catch those 
mules (many of them that had never been worked), 
and harness them and hitch them up to the wagons, 
six mules to each wagon, and we certainly had a gay 



186 Sixty Years in Texas. 

time. We went to the little town of Rolla, Missouri, 
to get our mules shod. There were some large Gov- 
ernment shops there. It was a rainy day, and when 
we reached that place I was rather wet, and was 
sitting near one of the forges drying my clothes, 
when a dirty-looking Irishman stepped up close to 
me, and I carelessly remarked to him, "Old fellow, 
you have been hunting for something on the ground, 
haven't you?" He said, "Yes, I have, and d — n you, 

I have found you and I can v/hip out of you," 

and he cursed me and shook his fist in my face and 
called me a coward. I tried to apologize for what 
I had said, and told him I meant no offense, but it 
made him worse. I saw he was drinking, but I did 
not want to run from him, and I picked up an iron 
poker and told him to leave or I would hurt him. He 
was very quick in grabbing the poker. I held the 
one end of the poker with my right hand, and he held 
the other. I am left-handed, and I drevN^ back and 
struck from the shoulder with all my might, and I 
floored him, and he bled like a beef. He and the 
poker all went together. While he was down I 
snatched the poker from him, and I threw it aside, 
thinking he had enough of it; but, bless you, he got 
up and came right for me. I squared myself and 
let him have it again, and I laid him out the second 
time. I had practiced boxing for several months, 
but was not conceited. I knew I had no chance with 
the heavy-weights. 

The crowd by this time had gathered around us 
and was all anxious to see the fight. The Irishman 
was on his feet again, and a squabby Dutchman that 
was in my mess stepped in front of me and said he 
would take that fight ofi" my hands. The Irishman 
went for him and struck him in the face the first 
blow, and then they clinched and bit and gouged and 
pounded one another, and we pulled them apart, and 



Sixty Years in Texas. 187 

the Irishman walked off. We thought it was all over, 
and the boys were laughing over the fun. But in 
about fifteen minutes he returned with five or six 
strapping big fellows and without any ceremony 
they pitched into our crowd, and such a mix-up and 
free fight I have never sene before or since. Some- 
times two were on on£, and scrap iron was flying in 
every direction, and every few minutes one would be 
laid out. The fight reached such alarming propor- 
tions the soldiers were sent for, and they soon put 
a quietus on it. There were about twenty of our 
crowd, and only six or seven of the others. I thought 
if there had been two or three more Irishmen we 
would have had to sound a retreat. But as it was 
we thought we had got the best of it, and we went 
into camp to rest on our laurels, and bandage our 
black eyes, and bathe our bruised limbs. My fierce 
blows put one of my thumbs out of place, and it 
pained me so I could not sleep for several nights. 
This great fight was all brought about by my ill 
advised remark, and I will say I have been very 
guarded ever since in my remarks, especially in the 
presence of strangers and half-drunk people. I did 
not like to work for Uncle Sam, and I soon returned 
to Leavenworth City, bought a team and a reaping 
machine and went to Southern Kansas and helped 
the farmers harvest their wheat and oats, and then 
went into the hay fields. 

I made myself as useful and agreeable as pos- 
sible. The people I made my home with were full- 
blooded Yankees, and very good people, and the old 
lady had been as kind to me as a mother. Her mar- 
ried daughter and husband had separated, and the 
daughter died, leaving a little babe a few months 
old, and her dying request was that her mother 
should raise it and care for it, which the mother 
agreed to do. But shortly after her death the hus- 



188 Sixty Years in Texas. 

band took the babe from her and gave it to a neigh- 
bor woman about two miles distance, and the old 
lady grieved over it a great deal, and one day I came 
in from the hay field and she asked me if I would 
take her to see the baby. I told her that I would be 
glad to do so, but one of my horses was out in the 
hay field, but I would get him and take her down 
there, and went to get my horse, and never dreamed 
of any trouble. During my absence one of the neigh- 
bors came along in his wagon, and she asked if he 
would take her down to see the baby, and he did, 
and when they came to the house she got out of the 
wagon and went in, and no one was in the house but 
the baby lying in the cradle. She picked the baby 
up and started off with him. Mr. Allen, the owner 
of the team, thought she had the consent of the v\^om- 
an to take it, and took them home, and when the 
father of the baby heard of it he was wild, and the 
first thing he did was to shoot Allen dead in his own 
house and then came to the house where his babe 
was, declaring he would kill every man there. I 
had not yet returned with my horse, and vv'hen I 
heard of it I thought I had made a narrow escape. 
Raids were frequently made into Kansas, and the 
Kansas people would make raids into Missouri and 
burn the houses and kill every man they could catch 
that could not give a satisfactory explanation as to 
who he was. I was in Lawrence, Kansas, just before 
Quantrell made his famous raid and killed eighty-one 
men. One woman Vv^as shot through the arm in hold- 
ing to her husband and trying to protect him. I was 
in the town shortly after the killing, and saw where 
the blood had run over the floors, where men had 
been killed. After the haying season was over E 
made a trip to Fort Smith with a load of Suttler's 
goods. There was a very long train of Government 
wagons, several hundred, and it took from two 



Sixty Years in Texas. 189 

o'clock in the evening until after night for all of 
them to get into camp. The advance guard would 
catch a few men occasionally. They called them 
bushwhackers and would stand them up in line and 
shoot them down and let them lie. Some of them 
we saw on our return trip. They were black and 
rotting in the same place they were shot down. 

The Government did not furnish any escort for 
us on our return trip. We waited about two weeks 
in Fort Smith. The winter was very cold. Many 
crossed over the Arkansas River with their teams 
on the ice, and we, with the Suttler wagon outfit, 
about a hundred wagons, decided to make the trip 
alone, and on the second day after leaving Fort 
Smith I had a severe attack of pneumnoia, and could 
not drive my team any further. I secured a driver, 
and I was laid in the wagon on some old quilts. My 
side pained me so I held myself up on my elbow and 
spit blood for two days, until I became so weak I 
gave it up, and when the horses would trot over the 
rocks and rough road all I could do was to lie as still 
as I could and take things as they came. At night 
the campers would make a good fire and scrape away 
the snow, and carry me out and sit me in an old chair 
they had and throw a quilt over me, and all the med- 
icine they had was black pepper and patent pills, and 
they blistered me inside with the pills and outside 
with the pepper, and ever since that experience I 
can never think of pepper and pills Vvdthout a shud- 
der. 

The night after the fourth day they left me at 
the Osage Catholic Mission and sent forty miles for a 
doctor, and he came. They expected me to die, but I 
did not. Those Catholics, with the help of the doc- 
tor, nursed me back to life, and ever since then I 
have had a warm place in my heart for these good 
Catholic nurses. 



190 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The winter of '63 passed, and the old gentleman 
that I made my home with while in Southern Kansas 
was taken sick. His name was Sherburne, and was 
known as Uncle Ben. He was one of the most re- 
spected citizens of that community. He lingered 
about eight or ten days, and then died. I stayed by 
his bedside most of the time, until death claimed him. 
But before he died he told me that I had been re- 
ported to the Union League as a Copperhead and a 
dangerous man, and the League had been discussing 
the question as to what disposition to make of me, 
and had sent for him, and he had told them that he 
was not worth a great deal, only a little farm and 
some few stock, and he had offered to go my security 
to the amount he was worth that I would do them 
no harm. I found out that an old rascal that I had 
disappointed in some way about cutting his hay had 
reported me. 

The spring of '64 came, and I was figuring with 
some other parties about a government hay contract, 
and we put in a bid for a large amount of hay to be 
delivered to Fort Scott, and we secured the contract, 
amounting to the sum of $53,000, and we got a good 
start in the delivery of the hay. We drew $14,000. 
There were a number of other contracts let, and hay 
was delivered in Fort Scott faster than they could 
take care of it, and we began stacking it right on the 
ground where we cut it, and had a large amount 
stacked. But my plans and calculations were defeat- 
ed. The news came that General Price was making 
a raid through Missouri and sweeping everything 
before him. Every able-bodied man in Kansas was 
enrolled in what was called the enrolled militia, and 
all work ceased, and everybody was called to take up 
arms, and report at Fort Scott. I reluctantly obeyed 
the command, and we were formed into companies 
and regiments, and about the time we were ready 



Sixty Years in Texas. 191 

to take up the line of march, Col. Knowls came to me 
and said he had been detailed to guard Marmaton, a 
small town seven miles west of Fort Scott. My home 
was near that little place. He said he had not 
sufficient men, and he asked me to stay at home and 
help to guard the place, and said he would make it 
all right with the general in command. I thought 
favorably of it at first, but on second thought I de- 
cided differently, and told the Colonel I would go 
with the big crowd, and I put spurs to my horse 
and soon overtook the company. I never saw the 
Colonel after that. He and his men were all killed, 
and the town burned, only a few days later, and my 
life was spared again. My intended wife lived near 
the little town, and she said they could hear the 
shrieks of the women and the groans of the dying, as 
the columns of smoke ascended and the consuming 
flames destroyed their little town. 

We Vv^ent to Kansas City and the militia was 
gathered there and near there in very large numbers. 
General Price's army was advancing from the east. 
The Federals had met them from Jefferson City and 
St. Louis, and were disputing their right of way, and 
the Southern army headed for the West and Kansas, 
and the Kansas militia met them east of Kansas City 
and disputed their right of way into Kansas, and 
several skirmishes took place. I was in the front 
at the battle of Westport, with the artillery in the 
rear on the hill in a commanding position, shelling 
the woods in front and firing over our heads. We 
entered the woods and skirmished around, and then 
advanced up the hill, and when we reached the top 
of the hill the Southern soldiers fired on us, and the 
bullets flew around pretty thick. The Southern sol- 
diers were behind a stone wall. A retreat was order- 
ed, and we tumbled down over the hill to get under 
shelter, and when we got in line again we were order- 



192 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ed to advance on double quick and dislodge the enemy 
behind the stone wall, and I must confess we did not 
like to undertake the scaling of that wall. But we 
did make the charge, and it looked like we were 
facing death. But when we got started we ran as 
fast as we could, every man yelling as loud as he 
could. But before we reached the wall the artillery 
had swung around to the left in a commanding posi- 
tion and swept the wall and scattered the Southern 
troops, and when we scaled the wall we only found a 
few dead and dying soldiers. 

We had then been nearly two days without any- 
thing to eat, and Price's army was on the run. Our 
commissary wagons were ordered to drive up to the 
front, and our horses were brought forward, and 
when the wagons came scores of men were detailed 
to make up dough and hand it out in wads to the 
soldiers, and an army of men would advance on a 
string of fence, about four to a panel, and the whole 
line of fence would move off at once. There were 
large fieMs of shocked corn, and we could see about 
five or six men to a shock, and the fence and con- 
tents of the field seemed to all move off at once. The 
first wad of dough that I got I rolled it out and twist- 
ed it around my ramrod and held it over the fire a 
few minutes and warmed it a little, and it seemed to 
be very good eating. 

I will say the little war experience that I had I 
did not shoot a gun. I was not mad, and I did not 
want to fight. A few of our men were killed and 
vv^ounded. The lieutenant of our company was shot 
while near me. Price's raid was a great damage to 
me. They ruined my plans, stopped my hands from 
work, and burned all the hay I had stacked. 

I married in the winter of 1864, and moved to 
Leavenworth City, and managed to make a living by 
speculating and freighting, and in the spring of '65, 



Sixty Years in Texas. 193 

as soon after the surrender as possible, I arranged 
my business and got things in shape to move to Tex- 
as. I went to Fort Scott and there met Mr. Lyman 
Drake, one of the men that came with me from 
Texas, and he said he would go with me. He was 
worth considerable money. He had two teams and 
wagons. He bought goods and loaded his wagons. 
I had one wagon and team and a horse and buggy. 
We were warned not to go. It was considered very 
dangerous, too dangerous to even think of going 
through the Indian Territory. The Southern Chero- 
kees had not been disbanded, and were not allowed 
to come back to their old homes, and General Stan- 
watie still in command had camped on the Blue 
River, about twenty miles north of Red River. I tried 
to raise a company in Fort Scott to come with us to 
Texas. I succeeded in raising fifteen men that 
agreed to come with us and stand by us. All ar- 
rangements were made, and we made a start for 
Texas again, after a period of four years and several 
months. 

All of my men came into camp the first night but 
two. I knew nothing of the history of these men. 
I think most of them were renegades. After we had 
been in camp a short time four men rode into the 
camp heavily armed, and said they were after horse 
thieves, and I think they suspected some of our 
crowd. They went on and overtook a man on foot, 
and they seemed to suspicion him that he knew some- 
thing. There was not a house for a hundred miles 
the way he was going. They brought him to our 
outfit and told him to remain with us, and the four 
men returned to Fort Scott, thinking they were on a 
cold trail. These men separated on their return to 
Fort Scott, and two of them met the horse thieves 
and their horses and were afraid to try to take them, 
but went on to Fort Scott and reported and they all 



194 Sixty Years in Texas. 

• returned and made another run after them. The 
horse thieves rode into our camp the second night, 
and camped that night with us. It was my two men 
that failed to come into camp the first night, but I did 
not know they had the stolen horses; and the next 
day we stopped for dinner at Baxter Springs, and 
these men went to water their horses, and some of 
my men told me they were the stolen horses, and 
said for us all to be ready with our guns and when 
they came back we would take them. But they never 
came, but were gone in a hard run, and we never 
saw them afterwards. I did not suspicion the other 
men at that time, but afterwards I found out they 
were just making a grand-stand play and knew all 
about it. The young man they arrested, left in our 
camp, was still with us. I think he was a discharged 
soldier, and had drawn his pay and had money. The 
following morning before we left camp, the party 
overtook us again in pursuit of the horse thieves. We 
gave them what information we could, and they 
went on in pursuit. The young man slept under my 
wagon that night. He had told us his name was 
Tucker. I was carrying his coat and the few things 
he had in my wagon. But we never saw him after. 
Before we reached Fort Smith seven of our men 
turned back, and after we reached Texas one of 
them wrote me that they found Tucker's body about 
two hundred yards from the place we camped, and 
the supposition was that the men that were on guard 
that night got him out and murdered him for his 
money. We had traitors and murderers in camp, and 
enemies without. 

After the seven men turned back we knew we 
were in great danger. I bought four bushels of corn 
in Fort Smith, and gave $16.00 for it, and our little 
squad took up the line of march again. The second 
day four men overtook us. They were riding good 



Sixty Years in Texas. 195 

horses and were well dressed. They were all rather 
dark looking, and wore their hair long. They had a 
good deal of jewelry on their hats and clothing. They 
passed us, and one of the boys said, "We will have 
to look out, they are regular bushwhackers." From 
that time on we kept close together, and of a night we 
would run our wagons and my buggy as near to- 
gether as possible, and stand guard in the most shel- 
tered place, and in the day time we would carry our 
guns and six-shooters and were always ready to give 
the best we had if attacked. We traveled that way 
for days, and these men would pass and repass us 
until Y^e got down near where Stanwatie's command 
was camped, and there other men would occasionally 
pass us. I kept cautioning our men to keep close 
together and be ready. I kept my shot gun across 
my lap in the buggy. My wife was used to just such 
times in Southwest Missouri. 

After noon one day, as we were leaving camp, 
something was forgotten, and the wagons stopped a 
few minutes. Two of our men that were horseback 
rode on and got a few hundred yards ahead of the 
wagon, when we heard shooting, and one of them 
came dashing back and said Lacey was shot dead. 
We went on and found him lying dead in the road. 
He had been shot through the heart. 

By this time there were a good many men, some 
Indians and some soldiers, riding about. We were 
near a house, and there was a graveyard in an old 
field near, and the man that lived at the house said 
we could bury our man there if we wanted to. We 
quietly dug his grave with a vault to it, and buried 
Lacy with his clothes on. Not a hymn was sung, nor 
prayer offered. We quietly and silently laid him 
away. Several of Stanwatie's men were present, 
and I noticed one of them kept looking at me, and he 
called me aside and said he would like to talk to me. 



196 Sixty Years in Texas. 

He first asked me my name, and I told him that it 
was Jackson. Then he inquired of me if I had a 
brother in the army in the Territory during the war. 
I said I did have several of them, one was a captain. 
He said that he knew him if it was Captain William 
Jackson. I said yes, that was his name. He said he 
had been looking at me and saw such a striking re- 
semblance that he almost knew he was my brother. 
Well, he says : "Have you seen four men, long-haired 
fellows, following you?" and I replied that we cer- 
tainly had, and if they don't look out we will get 
them yet. We had held a council the day before to 
consider whether we should shoot them on sight, but 
we decided we had better not. The man talking to me 
said his name was Evans, and he said that these 
four men had followed us from near Fort Smith and 
their intention was to kill us and take what we had. 
I wanted to know how he had made that discovery, 
and he told me he had been in the same business 
with them during the war, and they had come to his 
house last night to get him and another man to go 
in with them, and that night they were to attack 
us. "They represented to me," he said, "that you 
had lots of greenbacks, but said they did not want 
to divide it between too many, and thought seven 
of them would be enough ;" and he also said that he 
had agreed to meet them at a certain place and make 
preparations to bring on the attack. He said that 
he would go and meet them as agreed, and make 
some excuse to get out of it. He would tell them 
that the war was over and that he had decided to 
quit the business. He bade me good-bye, and cau- 
tioned me not to say a word about betraying them, 
if I did they would certainly kill him. He left me, 
and we decided not to go to the place we expected 
to camp, but selected a place near the house I spoke 
of, where there were some very large oak trees, and 



Sixty Years in Texas. 197 

we saw that our guns and pistols were loaded and 
ready to meet them if they made the attack. Each 
one of us got behind a tree and my wife and another 
lady that was in the company were to stay in the 
house. 

Just as it was getting dark Evans rode up to the 
camp and called for Jackson. I was not certain 
whether he was friend or foe, but I came out from 
behind my tree with six-shooter in my hand and 
advanced towards him. He said to me, "I was late 
and did not meet the boys, but I think they are com- 
ing. I saw two of them between me and the sky as 
they rode over the hill. Look out. I don't think 
they will try to get anything but your horses to- 
night, the way you are fixed." He says, "Good 
night, and for God's sake don't say a word or they 
will kill me." 

He had ridden about one hundred yards, and I 
heard a man say halt, and then a shot, and then 

another shot. Then I heard one say, " him, 

shoot him again." The horses were running, and 
we did not know whether he was killed or not. That 
night we stood behind our trees all night, ready to 
give them a warm reception if they attacked us. 
But they did not come. 

In the morning my friend Evans came into our 
camp. He was shot through his boot heel and an- 
other shot tore the skirt of his coat, and he said he 
had acted the covN^ard in running, but them fellows 
had better not brag about it or he would kill one of 
them yet. There was a young man at this Indian 
house that said he was from Illinois, and he told me 
that there was a home guard in the neighborhood 
that had been appointed to look after the horse 
thieves and lawless characters, and if I would notify 
them they would protect us. I offered him five dol- 
lars if he would go and notify them, and he went 



198 Sixty Years in Texas. 

in the night and notified all of them, and about 9 
or 10 o'clock the next day they came into our camp. 
But they said the line of their territory was only a 
few miles, and they could not go to the Texas line 
without pay. I offered them fifty dollars to go with 
us and see us over Red River, and they agreed to it, 
and we took up the line of march again, and when 
we got in a few miles of Red River we saw our 
bushwhacking friends, and three other men with 
them. They intended to attack us before we got into 
Texas, and had selected a suitable place, not know- 
ing we had employed a guard. We had seventeen 
men heavily armed, and we would have given them 
the best we had in our shop if they had attacked 
us. Our guard crossed over the river with us, and 
camped with us that night in Texas, and in the 
morning they left us, and we went on our way re- 
joicing. 

I will go back to the first of our journey. We met 
some Federal soldiers, and they had been ordered 
to burn their blankets, and a man by the name of 
King, a Texas man, had bought twenty-one blankets 
for 50 cents apiece and tied them in a bundle and 
hid them, and when he met our wagons he said he 
would give me $5.00 if I would haul them to Fort 
Gibson. I did so, and he paid me. It was at night 
he gave me the money, and he gave me two $5.00 
bills stuck together, and I did not notice it until the 
next day. He said his family lived near the road 
not far from where Denison now stands, and he said 
it would be a great favor to him if I would stop and 
tell his wife that he was well and hoped to be dis- 
charged soon, and they might expect him home any 
time. As I had $5.00 of his money I thought I would 
call and see his wife and give it to her. My wife 
and I drove up to the house, and several women 
came out, and I inquired for Mrs. King, and she was 



Sixty Years in Texas. 199 

one of the number, and her mother was there, a very 
old lady, and they were very much interested and 
anxious to hear from Mr. King, and seemed to be 
almost overjoyed, and when I told them about the 
blankets and gave them the $5.00 the old lady began 
to shout, and it seemed like a regular camp-meeting 
was taking place. She said, "Thank the Lord. I 
had thought every man had got dishonest. But thank 
the Lord again, there is one left," and we drove olT 
leaving them all happy. 

We began to feel like we were safe. I have al- 
ways felt safe in Texas, and will say I love Texas, 
and a man that is once a Texan is always a Texan, 
and when we crossed the border into old Texas I 
felt like I was in the warm embrace of a mother's 
love. Her outstretched arms were ready to receive 
me. I love her broad prairies and rich valleys, and 
balmy breezes. 

We arrived safely at home, and found Father 
and Mother, brothers and sisters, all well. We all 
had gone through the bloody conflict, and met again 
at the old homestead, and talked about the awful 
war, the bloody scenes, and the almost inhuman 
cruelties ; and when I look back over my experience 
I believe a kind Providence and the favor of God 
kept me from harm, and as I grow older and look 
back over my past Hfe, and think of the countries I 
have visited, the people I have mixed with, the mul- 
titudes I have seen, I think of man's inhumanity to 
man. I believe that men and women in this life are 
cast between two great currents. They must take 
one of the other. The one is Self, Self, Self, and 
wrong. The other is right and God ; and the almost 
countless millions of God-forgetting people are be- 
ing swept along the current of self and wrong. But 
I thank God that there are stations and stopping 
places along the shores of this sweeping current. 



200 Sixty Years in Texas. 

where men and women may stop and think and call 
to God for help, and all of those that call in earnest, 
He will come to their rescue and deliver them from 
that awful current that seems to be sweeping them 
on, they know not where. He will inspire them 
with better thoughts, higher motives, nobler desires, 
and loftier purposes. He will transform and change 
that human heart, and fill it with love, tenderness 
and compassion, and they will have an inner knowl- 
edge that needs no other proof that God exists, and 
is guiding and leading them onward and upward to 
glory and Heaven. 

It has been forty-three years ago since the war 
closed. The question was so great and the interesi. 
so vast, and the temper of the people so wrought 
upon, in my judgment nothing but war could settle 
it, and I believe the war was fought at the right 
time, and fought by the right people, and now the 
blue and the grey meet and mingle together, and 
place flowers on the graves of their friends that died 
defending the cause they thought to be right. This 
is just as it should be, and no Confederate feels 
humiliated or disgraced because of losing in the con- 
flict, but the blue and the grey stand together — 
those that followed Lee and Jackson, and those that 
followed Grant and Logan — citizens of the greatest 
country on the globe. It was the valor and courage 
and bravery of those that followed Lee and Jackson 
that made heroes out of Grant and Logan, and the 
brave men that stood with them. They met men 
worthy of their steel. The unconquerable courage of 
the Confederate soldier made the glory of the Fed- 
eral generals. Most of the old veterans have passed 
over the river, and are now resting in God's eternal 
camping ground; but those that are still with us are 
citizens of a great country. 

We are to-day the superior of the earth, with our 



Sixty Years in Texas. 201 

free institutions, our great free school system, our 
numerous colleges, and our great institutions of 
learning, our hospitals, deaf and dumb and blind 
asylums, and all the instituions we have to care for 
the afflicted and unfortunate. Every man should con- 
sider it an honor to be an American citzien. It was 
said in ancient times when Rome was the mistress 
of the world, that it was considered a great honor to 
be a free-born Roman citizen. But I consider today 
that it is a much greater honor to be a free-born 
American citizen. If we show that love and patriot- 
ism to the flag of our country that it deserves — if the 
humble and the poor are given an equal chance in 
the race of life, with the strong and the wealthy — we 
shall command respect at home and abroad, and no 
nation on the globe will invade our shores to harm 
us, and no enemy will ever insult our flag. The great 
speaker and statesman, Henry Grady, at the Dallas 
Fair, in his celebrated speech, said: "The Anglo- 
Saxon blood ha-s dominated always and everj^^here. 
It fed Alfred's veins when he wrote the Charter of 
English liberty. It gathered about Hampden as he 
stood beneath the oak. It thundered in Cromwell's 
veins as he fought the king. It humbled Napoleon at 
Waterloo. It has touched the desert and jungle 
with undying glory. • It carried the drumbeat of 
England around the world, and spread on every con- 
tinent the gospel of liberty and of God. It estab- 
lished this Republic, carved it from the wilderness, 
conquered it from the Indians, wrested it from Eng- 
land, at last stilling its own tumult, consecrated for 
ever as the home of the Anglo-Saxon and the theatre 
of his transcending achievements. Never can one 
foot of it be surrendered while that blood lives in 
American veins and feeds American hearts, to the 
domination of an alien and inferior race." 

The great preacher. Dr. Talmage, said in a speech 



202 Sixty Years in Texas. 

after he returned from his tour through Europe he 
first had a good word to say about all the different 
nationalities that he had visited, and he traveled 
through most of the European countries. He said 
here in this United States we have the sound sense 
of the English, the stout heart of the German, the 
sterling worth and honesty of the Scotch, the polish- 
ed manner of the French, and the artistic taste of the 
Italian, and last, but not least, the lightning wit of 
the Irish. We have all of these different national- 
ities woven together, and wiien that man stepped 
out upon the virgin soil all heaven and earth is ready 
to exclaim. Behold, the man. He is an American. 

We now have a government of 80,000,000 of peo- 
ple — such people as described by the late Dr. Tal- 
mage, that has opened the eyes and aroused all of 
Europe from their slumber. We lead in all kinds 
of inventions and improved machinery, and the skill 
that is shown, and the rapidity of great undertak- 
ings that has been carried to a final success. Our 
great achievements have been the wonder of the 
world. Shall we think lightly of our citizenship? 
No. We of the South will consider it a greater honor 
than the Romans of old. And the true American 
that is entitled to wear that badge of honor should 
wear it wtih pride, and defend it with his life if 
necessary. 

Our country is larger than any State. It is great- 
er than Texas, the State I love so well. It is greater 
than Virginia, the mother of presidents ; greater 
than Massachusetts or New York. We have not 
given ourself to any State or province. We are citi- 
zens of America, the greatest country on the globe. 

A dear old mother in Missouri had a happy 
family of eight children, two were grown sons. One 
of the sons joined Price's army and tried the for- 
tunes of the South. The other joined the Federal 



Sixty Years in Texas. 203 

army and tried the fortunes of the North. Many 
battles were fought; thousands were killed; armies 
were defeated ; prisoners were captured ; homes were 
destroyed ; families were broken up ; and these two 
brothers went through all the desperate struggles 
and engaged in many a bloody conflict, but the time 
came when Lee surrendered at Appomattox, and the 
two brothers again returned to their old home, and 
there upon the threshold of that old home, where 
they had played together when they were boys, they 
shook hands and agreed to forget the past. And the 
loving mother gave them both the same welcome, and 
her heart overflowed, and was made to rejoice, as 
she fell upon her knees and looked up to God through 
her tears, and thanked Him again and again for a 
once more united family. There are a few still left 
of the blue and the grey. They have gone through 
many a bloody conflict. They long ago shook hands 
over the bloody chasm. Now we know each other 
better, and should be brothers, as much so as the two 
brothers that shook hands in the presence of their 
mother, on returning to their old home in Missouri 
after the war. We are members of the same family, 
and descended of noble sires and the sons of a people 
that were born to rule, and citizens of a mighty na- 
tion, and the most glorious country on the globe. 
We should be loyal to this great country, and also 
loyal and true to the South, that has such a glorious 
history, and has furnished most of the great men of 
the Nation. The Lees, the Jacksons, Washington, 
were all sons of the South. When the Civil War 
was over and the Angel of Peace had checked the 
movements of contending forces, and war with Spain 
took place. General Fitzhugh Lee was sent to that 
important post, a son of Virginia, and a member 
of one of the grandest families this Nation has pro- 
duced. When the Rough Riders were ambush- 



204 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ed, and El Caney seemed to become a dis- 
aster, after Shafter had failed, they placed 
the forces in the hands of Fighting Joe Wheeler, a 
son of the South, and as he took the command of the 
advancing column of that army he raised in his stir- 
rups and shouted, "Charge 'em, boys !" and "drive 
them into the Gulf," and the victory w^as soon won. 

Roosevelt knew where to get the kind of men he 
wanted. He knew in Texas and the West they could 
be found, and here he secured them, and they did 
his fighting and won the victories that made him 
President of this United States. The South has a 
great history of war, but a far more glorious and 
greater history of peace. After the Civil War, when 
the bloody conflict had ended, those that returned 
home, many of them barefooted and with scanty and 
ragged clothes, found their homes in ashes, 
their stock stolen or driven away, their fence de- 
stroyed, their negroes set free, and their wives and 
children in a deplorable condition. But .their hearts 
never faltered. They did not give up. They em- 
braced their children and kissed their wives, and 
again went to work to build up their shattered for- 
tunes, and the advancement the South has made has 
been a wonder to the world. The South was not re- 
sponsible for slavery. The guilt or wrong, if at- 
tached to any one, was our forefathers or the 
country at large that built up and cherished the in- 
stituiton of slavery, and at the beginning of the Civil 
War the South was not responsible for the conditions 
the country was in. 

And today the South and the Southern people 
are the best friends the negro has. Taking a broad 
view of the conditions of the negro now, and the 
negro when first sold into slavery, and we must all 
admit that slavery in the end has been a great bless- 
ing to the negro, and a great curse to the white peo- 
ple of this Nation. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 205 

Third Legislature of Texas, but the first one in 
which Dallas County was represented. 

FIRST LEGISLATURE, 1847-9— HOUSE. 
William M. Cochran. 

SECOND LEGISLATURE, 1849-51— HOUSE. 
Jefferson Weatherford. 

THIRD LEGISLATURE, 1851-53— HOUSE. 
John M. Crockett. 

FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 1853-55— HOUSE. 
John M. Crockett. 

FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 1855-57— HOUSE. 
John M. Crockett. 

SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 1857-59— HOUSE. 
Andrew J. Witt. 

SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 1859-61— HOUSE. 
Nicholas H. Darnell. 

EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 1861-63— HOUSE. 
Jas. P. Thomas. Resigned in '62. Succeeded by 
Jas P. Goodnight. 

NINTH LEGISLATURE, 1863-65— HOUSE. 

Geo. Wilson. Resigned and succeeded by John 
C. McCoy. 

ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE. 

No election '66, but under military rule. 1867 to 
1869, Nat. M. Burford, Arch M. Cochran. 

TWELFTH LEGISLATURE, 1869-72— HOUSE. 
John W. Lane. 

THIRTEENTHLEGISLATURE, 1872-73— HOUSE. 
John Henry Brown. 

FOURTEENTH LEGISLATURE, 1873-75— HOUSE 
John H. Cochran. 



206 Sixty Years in Texas. 

FIFTEENTH LEGISLATURE, 1875-77— HOUSE. 
John H. Cochran, J. T. Downs. 

SIXTEENTH LEGISLATURE, 1877-79— HOUSE. 
John H. Cochran, Speaker (M. D. K. Taylor and 
Guy M. Bryan were his competitors for Speaker) , 
John W. Daniels. 

SEVENTEENTH LEGISLATURE, 1879-81— 
HOUSE. 
John W. Daniels, Thos. F. Nash. 

EIGHTEENTH LEGISLATURE, 1881-83— 
HOUSE. 
John H. Cochran, Thos. F. Nash. 

NINETEENTH LEGISLATURE, 1883-85— 
HOUSE. 
R. S. Kimbrough, Z. Ellis Combs. 

TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE, 1885-87— HOUSE. 
Jesse M. Strong, J. C. Rugel. 

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 
J. M. Strong, J. F. Rowland. 

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 
J. H. Cochran, J. F. Rowland. 

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 

J. H. Cochran, Speaker of House (Gassett Wilson 
and Breeding, competitors), P. H. Golden, A. S. 
Taylor, Lancaster. 
Floater: R. King, in 1896. 

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 
J. F. Reiger, W. A. Orr, R. B. Allen. 
Floater: B. King. 

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 

W. C. McKamy, J. F. Reiger, J. S. Strother. 
Floater: H. W. Manson. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 207 

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 
Dudley G. Wooten, W. C. McKamy, Wm. Gill. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 
W. A. Shaw, Mike Lively, J. S. Strother. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 
Curtis Hancock, Thos. B. Love, J. S. Strother. 
Floater: J. W. Reese. 

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 
0. P. Bowser, Curtis Hancock, Thos. B. Love. 
Floater: E. D. Foree. 

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE— HOUSE. 

E. C. Lively, Claude M. McCallum, Thos. B. Love. 
Floater: Jeff D. Cox. 



COUNTY CLERKS OF DALLAS COUNTY. 

William M. Cochran, first County Clerk. He was 
the father of J. H. Cochran, A. M. Cochran and 
James Cochran, of this city. 

John W. Smith, second County Clerk. 

Alexander Harwood, third County Clerk. Alex- 
ander Harwood served from 1850 to 1854. 

William W. Peak, fourth County Clerk, '54 to '56. 

W. K. Hasten, fifth County Clerk, 1856 to '60. 

Ed. W. Hunt, sixth County Clerk, 1860 to '62. 

George W. Laws, seventh County Clerk, 1862 to 
1866. 

James P. Thomas, eighth County Clerk, '66 to '67. 

The officers of Dallas County were removed in 
November, 1867, and from that time to 1870 we had 



208 Sixty Years in Texas. 

military despotism, and all officers were appointed 
by the military. 

County Judge A. Bledsoe, and the ninth County 
Clerk was Samuel S. Jones to 1870. John M. Laws 
tenth County and District Clerk. Election 1873. 
Alex Harwood, the eleventh, was elected District and 
County Clerk, and served until 1882. 

In 1882 W. M. C. Hill, the twelfth County Clerk, 
served three terms until 1888. 

1888, Bev Scott, the thirteenth County Clerk, was 
elected, and served until 1892, two terms. Lee H. 
Hughes, fourteenth County Clerk, served two terms, 
until 1896. Albert Jackson, fifteenth County Clerk, 
served three terms, until 1902. 

Frank R. Shanks, sixteenth County Clerk, served 
two terms, until 1906. 

Jack M. Gaston, seventeenth County Clerk, is 
now in office. 



STATE SENATORS 

In 1846, when Dallas County was created, Joseph 
L. Hogg, of Nacogdoches, represented in the Senate 
the east half of the county, and Henry J. Jewett, of 
Robertson County, the west half; in 1849, in a new 
district Albert G. Walker of Dallas v>^as elected over 
J. H. Reagan, the Senatorial term being four years. 
In 1851 Walker resigned, and Samuel Bogart. of Col- 
lin, was elected to fill the unexpired term. In 1853 
to 1857, Jefferson Weatherford, of Dallas County, 
was Senator. From 1857 to 1861, A. G. Walker, of 
Tarrant, was Senator. In 1861 to '65, Jefferson 
Weatherford again served. Owing to the close of 
the vx^ar and provisional government by the appoint- 
ment of President Johnson, there was no election in 



Sixty Years in Texas. 209 

1865. A. J. Hamilton was apopinted provisional Gov- 
ernor and served from July 25, 1865, to August, 

1866. Under the Constituiton of 1866 and the ses- 
sion in that year J. K. P. Record of Dallas was Sen- 
ator. That Constitution and government were over- 
thrown by the reconstruction act of of 

Congress of March 2, 1867, and from July 30, 1867, 
to April 16, 1870, the State was under military gov- 
ernment. The next Senator after the military govern- 
ment was Samuel Evans, of Tarrant, and served 
until 1873, when Amzi Bradshaw of Ellis was elect- 
ed. Then Robert S. Guy, of Lancaster, was elected 
and served for four years. He Vv^as succeded in 1880 
by Anson Rainey, of Ellis County. He served to 
1882; Barnett Gibbs to 1884. Then Joseph O. Ter- 
rell, of Kaufman, to 1886. Then R. S. Kimbrough 
was- elected, and served two terms until 1890. Then 
0. P. Bowser was elected and served three terms 
until 1896. Then Barry Miller was elected and 
served until 1906. Then E. G. Senter was elected, 
and is still in office. 



FIRST COUNTY JUDGES OF 
DALLAS COUNTY 

1846 to 1848— John Thomas. 

1848 to 1850— Wm. H. Hord. 

Wm. H. Hord married the first couple after the 
organization of the county. 

1850 to 1852— Smith Elkins, resigned ; John W. 
Lattimer, re-elected. 

1852 to 1854— John W. Lattimer. 

1854 to 1856— J. M. Patterson. 

1856 to 1858— J. M. Patterson. 



210 Sixty Years in Texas. 

1858 to 1860 — J. M. Patterson. 

1860 to 1862— J. M. Patterson. 

1862 to 1864 — J. M. Patterson. 

1864 to 1866— J. M. Patterson. 

1866 to 1868— Z. E. Coombes. 

1868 to 1870— A. Bledsoe. 

1870 to 1872 — John D. Kerfoot. 

1872 to 1874 — John D. Kerfoot. 

1874 to 1876— Nat M. Burford. 

1876 to 1878— Robert H. West. 

1878 to 1880— R. E. Burke. 

1880 to 1882— R. E. Burke. 

1882 to 1884— R. E. Burke. 

1884 to 1886— E. G. Bower. 

1886 to 1888— E. G. Bower. 

1888 to 1890— E. G. Bower. 

1890 to 1892— E. G. Bower. 

1892 to 1894— T. F. Nash. 

1894 to 1896— T. F. Nash. 

1896 to 1898— S. H. Foree. 

1898 to 1900— S. H. Foree. 

1900 to 1902— Ed. Lauderdale. 

1902 to 1904— Ed. Lauderdale. 
1904 to 1906— H. F. Lively. 

1906 to 1908— H. F. Lively. 



TOWN GOVERNMENT OF DALLAS, 
1856 TO 1862 

Dallas as a town a half a mile square was first 
incorporated by the Legislature February 2, 1856. 
When Jefferson Weatherford was the Senator and A. 
J. Witt the representative. The charter was drawn 
by Nat. M. Burford. The first election was held 
April 5, 1856, and I give the vote in full. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 211 

1856-57. City Officers — First Election. 

Mayor-elect — 

Dr. Sam B. Pryor 58 votes 

A. A. Rice, competitor 34 votes 

Marshal — 

Andrew M. Moore 55 votes 

J. W. Merifield, competitor 37 votes 

Treasurer — 

Wm. L. Murphy, elect 56 votes 

Z. E. Ronney, competitor 36 votes 

Recorder — 

Samuel Jones, elect 90 votes 

Six Aldermen — 

Wm. Burtle 75 votes 

W. Latimer 74 votes 

Wm. J. Halsell 71 votes 

Burrill Wilkes 68 votes 

Mr. Williams 59 votes 

Geo. M. Baird 57 votes 

April, 1857, to April, 1858, John M. Crockett, 
Mayor, Marlin M. Thompson, Marshal. 

April, 1858, to August, 1858, Isaac Naylor, May- 
or; Andrew Moore, Marshal. 

A few days after the election Andy Moore killed 
Alexander Cochrell. During the following June the 
citizens voted to adopt the general Act for municipal 
corporations, which had been but a short time pre- 
vious been passed by the Legislature, and under this 
Act the following officers were elected August 2nd. : 

Mayor — 

Dr. A. D. Rice 39 votes 

Scattering 11 votes 



212 Sixty Years in Texas. 

City Marshal — 

Wm. M. Moon 57 votes 

Five Alderynen — 

Wm. Halsell 22 votes 

Isaac C. Nailor 19 votes 

James N. Smith 18 votes 

Wm. W. Peak 12 votes 

August, 1859, to August, 1860: 

Mayor — 

J. M. Crockett 38 votes 

Marshal — 

Geo. W. Baird 37 votes 

Five Aldermen — 

Wm. M. Moon 39 votes 

James W. Smith 39 votes 

Geo. W. Guess 39 votes 

Edward W. Hunt 38 votes 

Dr. S. B. Pryor 37 votes 

1860-61. 
Mayor — 

J. M. Crockett 51 votes 

Marshal — 

M. M. Thompson 40 votes 

There were five aldermen elected : J. N. Smith. 
Wm. M. Peak, G. W. Guess, Dr. Sam B. Pryor; vote 
39 to 43. 

August, '61 to '62. Many of the men had gone 
into the army, and the vote was still light. 

Mayor — 

Rev. Thom, E. Sherwood 30 votes 



Sixty Years in Texas. 213 

Marshal — 

Peter Stevenson 34 votes 

Five Aldermen elected — 

G. N. Guess 63 votes 

J. N. Smith 62 votes 

Edward Hunt 61 votes 

Wm. M. Peak 58 votes 

Dr. Sam B. Pryor 56 votes 

August 1861-66. The records fail to show any 
election, but an election was held by authority of 
the County Judge, as the law at that time provided. 
The county records therefore show: 

Mayor — 

John W. Lane, vote 66 votes 

J. M. Crockett 25 votes 

Marshall, Mat J. Moore. 49 votes 

Aldermen — S. S. Sanders, John Neeley Bryan, A. 
W. Moreton, Edward W. Hunt, and M. M. Morrow, 
vote 86 to 91. Throckmorton selected Lane for his 
private secretary, and George W. Guess became 
Mayor. He elected by the City Council to fill out the 
term. 

In 1867 no record appears of any election during 
this year, and there appears to have been no Mayor 
from August, 1867, till September, 1868, when the 
following officers were appointed by the Federal 
authorities at Austin under Governor Davis' rule, 
from September, 1868, to November, 1872. 

Mayor, Benjamin Long; Marshal, J. F. Barbier; 
Treasurer, A. J. Gouffe; Aldermen, J. P. McKnight, 
C. R. Miller, Henry Boll, Edwin Taylor, John Ten- 
ison. John Henry Brown gives the following item 
in history : Mr. Boll refused to serve, and Mr. Ten- 
ison soon resigned. Samuel S. Jones and J. C. Seydel 



214 Sixty Years in Texas. ' 

were appointed in their stead. Then Jones resigned, 
and John Loufot was substituted. Long resigned 
to visit Europe, April 1st, 1870, when Henry S. 
Ervay was appointed by the newly installed Gov- 
ernor Davis, and held the office till the four days 
November 5, 6, 7 and 8, 1872, under the charter 
granted in May, 1871. Under Ervay's administra- 
tion John N. McCoy was attorney, R. S. Druley, Sec- 
retary, and G. W. Campbell, Marshal. The Alder- 
men at different times (some resigning) were: F. L. 
Wellemet, Ira B. Conklin, Samuel Crosley, E. H. Ken- 
dal, J. C. Seydel, Z. E. Coombs, Dr. E. W. Tucker 
and Edwin Taylor. In 1872 Governor Davis, who 
had been counted in by Gen. J. J. Reynolds, of the 
United States Army, headquarters at Austin, con- 
cluded that Mr. Ervay was not sufficiently loyal, and 
issued an order removing him, and appointed anoth- 
er in his place, but the civil government had reorgan- 
ized, and both under legal advice and a sense of duty 
to the people refused to yield. District Judge Har- 
den Hart issued a mandate commanding him to sur- 
render the office, but Mr. Ervay positively refused 
to comply, and thereupon he was committed to jail. 
It so happened, however, just at that crisis that a 
decision arrived here made by Davis' own Supreme 
Court, in a precisely similar case, ruling that the 
governor did not possess the power of removal. 
Whereupon Judge Hart hastened to unlock the prison 
door and Mr. Ervay stepped out a free man, to re- 
sume the duties as Mayor, and enjoy the increased 
respect of the people. His conduct throughout the 
affair deserved and received the warmest approval 
of the people. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 215 

November, 1872, to April, 1874. 

Mayor — 

Benjamin Long, Republican, 348 votes 

Edvv^ard H. Hunt, Democrat 246 votes 

Thomas Flynn was elected Marshal, Dr. David 
King, Assessor and Collector. The Aldermen were : 
Ellen P. Bryan, Sr., C. Capy, George M. Swink, 
Frank Austin, Wm. H. Gaston, Michel Trevenet, 
John W. Lane, A. M. Cochran. The Council elected 
Henry Boll, Treasurer; James H. Field, Attorney; C. 
S. Mitchell, Secretary. This election was held and 
charter granted. May 22, 1871. 

On the 24th of April, 1873, all of the above 
named Aldermen resigned, except Lane, and the fol- 
lowing were elected in their stead : Henry S. Ervay, 
Hickerson Barksdale, Alex Sanger, John H. Bryan, 
Wm. H. Scales, John Owen, Wm. G. Sterett, and 
James Greer. Olen Welborn was elected City At- 
torney, October 6, 1873. These held their ofhce until 
the first Tuesday, 1874, at which time the following 
were elected : Mayor, W. L. Cabell ; Marshal, June 
Peak; Assessor and Collector, T. J. Keaton; Attor- 
ney, Wm. M. Edwards ; Treasurer, Robert A. West ; 
Engineer, Wm. M. Johnson ; Secretary, W. H. Prath- 
er; Aldermen: Henry S. Ervay, R. E. Burke; Jas. A. 
Leonard, R. D. Coughanour, J. S. Howell, A. T. 
Hensley, John Owens, Joseph C. McConnell, Wm. C. 
Young, H. B. McConnell. Elected April, 1875 : May- 
or, W. L. Cabell; Marshal, June Peak; Assessor and 
Collector, T. J. Keaton ; Attorney, Wm. M. Edwards ; 
Engineer, Wm. M. Johnson ; Treasurer, Robert H. 
West ; Secretary, J. B. Hereford. Aldermen : J. W. 
Crowdus, Henry S. Ervay, F. L. Wellemet, A. T. 
Obenchain, Alfred Davis, Benj. P. Jett, D. E. Grove, 
Wm. J. Shone, R. V. Thompkins, E. C. McLure. 



216 Sixty Years in Texas. 

On the 27th day of April, 1875, this Council 
adopted the general incorporation law of the State, 
and all of the officers under this change were elected 
every two years, except the Mayor, one-half to be 
elected to serve one year, the other half two years. 
So it followed after this election that one-half would 
be elected annually, each holding his office two years. 

1876: Mayor, John D. Kerfoot for one year; 
Marshal, W. F. Morton; Assessor and Collector, J. 
N. Ogden; Attorney, Barnett Gibbs, for two years; 
Engineer, Wm. M. Johnson, for two years ; Secre- 
tary, J. B. Hereford; Alderman, John W. Crowdus, 
Henry S. Ervay, W. J. Clark, F. E. Guedry, Benj. 
P. Jett, E. P. Cowen, Jacob L. WilHams, Dr. M. M. 
Nevv^som. 

August 9th there was another change made in 
the election of officers. The two years' term was 
changed so as to include that of the Mayor. And 
also an amendment afterwards adopted so as to allow 
the Council to elect the Engineer, Treasurer and At- 
torney, instead of the people electing them. 

April, 1877 : Mayor, W. L. Cabell; Aldermen, H. 
S. Ervay, J. W. Crovv^dus, W. M. C. Hill, F. E. 
Guedry, W. J. Shone, Benj. P. Jett, Dr. M. M. New- 
som, Jacob L. Williams. 

1878: Mayor, W. L. Cabell; Assessor and Col- 
lector, Julius C. Bogel ; Treasurer, J. W. Bowen ; At- 
torney, Barnett Gibbs ; Marshal, W. F. Morton ; En- 
gineer, S. W. S. Duncan; Secretary, J. B. Hereford; 
Aldermen, John F. Caldwell, H. S. Ervay, P. B. Shel- 
don, M. D. GarUngton, W. C. Holland, W. J. Shone, 
Dr. M. M. Newsom. 

1879 : Mayor, J. M. Thurman ; Assessor and Col- 
lector, J. C. Bogel; Treasurer, John C. Bowen; At- 
torney, Barnett Gibbs ; Marshal, W. F. Morton ; En- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 217 

gineer, S. W. S. Duncan; Secretary, J. B. Hereford. 
These held over into this term. Aldermen, John B. 
Stone, John F. Caldwell, L. F. Bohny, P. B. Shel- 
don, W. K. Wheelock, John S. Witwer, Chas. E. Kel- 
ler, W. R. Mclntire. 

April, 1880: Marshal, W. F. Morton; Assessor 
and Collector, J. C. Bogel; Engineer, J. S. Thatcher; 
Attorney, Barnett Gibbs ; Secretary, J. B. Hereford ; 
Aldermen, H. S. Ervay, John B. Stone, J. S. Ballard, 
L. F. Bohny, Zimri Hunt, W. K. Wheelock, E. M. 
Tillman, Chas. E. Keller. Mayor Thurman in Sep- 
tember, 1880, was removed from office by a vote of 
the Council, and John J. Good VN^as elected to fill the 
vacancy. 

1881 : John Stone was elected Mayor by a ma- 
jority of 37 votes, but was declared ineligible be- 
cause he did not reside within the corporate limits 
of the city, as the charter provided, and on the 17th 
day of May, Dr. J. W. Crowdus was elected. J. B. 
Hereford resigned as Secretary, and G. M. Swink 
was elected to fill out the unexpired term. Alder- 
men : D. A. Williams, H. S. Ervay, W. J. Clark, J. S. 
Ballard, J. D. Carter, Zimri Hunt, Frank G. Moore, 
E. M. Tillman. Hunt resigned and Dr. J. V. Chil- 
dress was elected. Marshal, James Arnold ; Assessor 
and Collector, J. C. Bogel; Treasurer, N. W. God- 
bold; Attorney, Frank Field; Secretary, G. M. 
Swink ; Engineer, Wm. M. Johnson. Aldermen, Sig- 
mond Loeb, D. A. Williams, James Moroney, W. J. 
Clark, C. F. Carter, J. D. Carter, E. M. Tillman, 
Frank G. Moore. Dallas is growing rapidly and put- 
ting on city airs. 

1883: Mayor, W. L. Cabell; Aldermen, Frank 
M. Cockrell, Sigmond Loeb, John Spellman, James 
Moroney, J. D. Carter, C. F. Carter, C. A. Gill, E. 
M. Tillman. Under an amendment of the charter of 



218 Sixty Years in Texas. 

March, 1883, the city was divided into six instead 
of four wards, and in April, 1884, two aldermen were 
elected from each ward, and classified anew as be- 
fore. 

In April, 1884 : Marshal, James C. Arnold ; As- 
sessor and Collector, J. C. Bogel; Attorney, Wm. H. 
Johnson; Treasurer, W. H. Flippen; Engineer, W. 
M. Johnson ; Secretary, W. E. Parry ; Health Officer, 
Dr. J. L. Carter; Aldermen, D. A. Williams, John 
Spellman, James Maroney, Robert B. Seay, Jacob 
Rauch, E. C. Smith, Sigmond Loeb, Robert Gibson, 
Charles D. Keller, John Henry Brown, J. D. Carter, 
Messrs. D. A. Williams, John Spellman, Robert B. 
Seay, E. C. Smith, Robert Gibson. John Henry 
Brown drew the two years' term, the others one 
year. 

1885 : Mayor, John Henry Brown. Aldermen : 
John B. Loucks, D. A. Williams, W. F. Daugherty, 
John Spellman, John Bookhout, Jacob Rauch, Sig- 
mond Loeb, P. W. Linskie (vice E. C. Smith, re- 
signed), Chas. E. Keller, Robert Gibson, J. D. Car- 
ter, Samuel Peterman (vice John Henry Brown, re- 
signed). 

April, 1886: Mayor, John Henry Brown, hold- 
ing over; Marshal, James C. Arnold; Attorney, W. 
H. Johnson; Assessor and Collector, J. Ford House; 
Engineer, J. S. Thatcher; Water Superintendent, 
Dave Tichenor; Secretary, W. E. Parry; Health Offi- 
cer, Dr. J. L. Carter; Aldermen, John B. Louch, J. 
A. Brown, W. F. Daugherty, D. P. Mahoney, Jacob 
Rauch, John Bookout, Sigmond Loeb, F. R. Rowley, 
C. D. Keller, D. C. Mitchell, J. D. Carter, Samuel 
Peterman. 

April, 1887: Mayor, W. C. Connor; Recorder 
(newly created office), T. J. A. Brown; Assessor, 



Sixty Years in Texas. 219 

J. F. House ; Assistant, Ben F. Melton ; Secretary, W. 
E. Parry ; Assistant, Wm. McGrain ; Water Superin- 
tendent, Dave Tichenor; Health Officer, Dr. J. L. 
Carter; Attorney, W. H. Johnson; Engineer, J. S. 
Thatcher ; Water Collector, L. M. Fargason ; Alder- 
men, John B. Louck, Frank Cockrell (vice T. J. A. 
Brown, resigned), D. P. Mahoney, A. M. Cochran, 
Jacob Ranch, W. L. Hall, F. R. Rowley, Sigmond 
Loeb, D. C. Mitchell, K. J. Kivlen, Samuel Peterman, 
Darius Welch. 

Police Force of Dallas, July 1, 1887: James C. 
Arnold, Marshal; Geo. Ed. Cornwall, Deputy Mar- 
shal ; Samuel H. Beard and Henry C. Waller, mount- 
ed officers; John T. Carter, Clerk; Dean S. Arnold, 
Station keeper; Thos. C. Halsell, in charge of street 
force; regular patrolmen: Wm. M. Moon, James A. 
Beard, John P. Keehan, John W. Kivlen, Patrick 
Mullins, W. R. Barnes, Clifton Scott, Peter Ahearns, 
Geo. L. Williams, Erastus F. Yates, Wm. Schroeter, 
Wood H. Ramsey, M. W. Skelton, Milburn W. Kirby. 

1887: Mayor, W. C. Connor; Recorder, T. J. A. 
Brown; Assessor, J. F. House; Assistant, Ben Mel- 
ton; Secretary, W. E. Parry; Assistant, Wm. Mc- 
Grain ; Water Superintendent, Dave Tichenor ; 
Health Officer, Dr. J. L. Carter; Attorney, W. H. 
Johnson ; Engineer, J. S. Thatcher ; Water Collector, 
L. M. Fargason. Aldermen : John Loucks, Frank 
Cockrell (vice T. J. A, Brown, resigned), D. P. Ma- 
honey, A. M. Cochran, Jacob Ranch, W. L. Hall, F. R. 
Rowley, Sigmond Loeb, D. C. Mitchell, K. J. Kivlm, 
Samuel Peterman, Darius Welch. 

1888: Mayor, W. C. Connor; City Secretary, 
Wm. McGrain; City Treasurer, W. H. Flippen; Re- 
corder, T. J. A. Brown ; City Marshal, J. C. Arnold ; 
City Attorney, W. H. Johnson ; Collector, J. C. Bogel ; 



220 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Assessor, Ben M. Melton; City Engineer, R. W. 
Havens ; Superintendent Waterworks, Dave Tichenor ; 
Health Officer, Dr. J. L, Carter; Chief of Fire De- 
partment, Tom Wilkerson ; Assistant Chief, John 
Spellman ; School Board : C. A. Gill, T. G. Terry, F. 
M. Ervay, J. H. Jones, Henry J. Frees, E. P. Mar- 
shall, 0. E. Linderman, Pro. J. T. Hand. Aldermen : 
John B. Loucks, W. F. Johnstone, W. M. Edwards, 
A. M. Cochran, W. L. Hall, L. S. Garrison, F. R. 
Rowley, K. J. Kivlin, C. H. Howell, D. Welsh, Ben 
M. Good, J. M. Wendelkin, G. V. Hughes. 

1889: Mayor, W. C. Connor; City Judge, T. J. 
A. Brown; School Board, T. G. Terry, John Alder- 
hoff, A. C. Ardrey, W. H. Lemmon, M. V. Cole. Al- 
dermen : John Loucks, J. J. Gannin, W. C. Holland, 
Sigmond Loeb, K. J. Kivlin, M. T. Cone, Geo. V. 
Hughes, Geo. Cole, J. M. Howell, Wm. Bustren, Wm. 
Harris. 

1890: Mayor, W. C. Connor; City Attorney, A. 
P. Wozencraft ; Assistant, Man Trice ; City Auditor, 
F. R. Rowley; Secretary, W. McGrain; Treasurer, 
W. H. Gaston ; City Judge, T. J. A. Brown ; Clerk of 
City Court, John J. Carter; Marshal, J. C. Arnold; 
Assistant Marshal, G. E. Cornwell ; Collector, J. C. 
Bogel; Assessor, Ben M. Melton; Engineer, D. A. 
Poyner; Superintendent Waterworks, D. P. Ma- 
honey; Health Officer, W. R. Wilson, M. D. ; City 
Chemist, L. Myers Connor; Chief of Fire Depart- 
ment, Tom Wilkerson; Assistant Chief, Chas. A. 
Capps ; Street Superintendent, J. S. Spar ; School 
Board, T. G. Terry, J. L. Peacock, John S. AldehofF, 
W. B. Parry, D. G. Shelby, W. White, L. A. Wilson, 
W. H. Lemmon, M. V. Cole, John W. George, F. M. 
Ervay, James Ennison. Aldermen: N. G. Turney; 
W. C. Holland, J. J. Gannon, J. J. Conroy, Henry 
Hamilton, Samuel Klein, K. J. Kivlin, W. J. Brady, 



Sixty Years in Texas. 221 

M. T. Cone, R. R. Lawther, Geo. V. Hughes, B. F. 
Coffman, J. M. Howell, Geo. C. Cole, Wm. Bustrin, 
Wm. Harris, J. H. Webster, W. J. Keller, G. W. 
Crutcher, O. K. Harry, J. H. McClellan, J. W. San- 
ders. 

1891: Mayor, W. C. Connor; Mayor pro-tem, O. 
K. Harry; City Attorney, A. P. Wozencraft; Assis- 
tant, Mann Trice ; City Auditor, J. F. Caldwell ; City 
Secretary, W. McGrain ; City Judge, Kenneth Foree ; 
Clerk, City Court, John T. Carter; Chief of Pohce, 
J. C. Arnold; Assistant, G. E. Cornwell; City Col- 
lector, J. C. Bogel ; City Assessor, B. M. Melton ; City 
Engineer, D. A. Poyner; Superintendent Water- 
works, D. P. Mahoney ; Health Officer, C. M. Rosser. 
M. D. ; City Chemist, G. W. Grove, M. D. ; Chief Fire 
Department, Tom Wilkerson ; Street Superintendent, 
J. S. Spar; President City Council, Sam Klein; 
Secretary, W. McGrain. School Board, T. G. Terry, 
J. L. Peacock, J. S. Alderhoff, W. E. Parry, C. P. 
Smith, W. White, L. A. Wilson, J. H. Yeargan, M. V. 
Cole, J. W. George, F. M. Ervay, James Ennison. 
Aldermen : N. G. Turney, W. J. Logan, J. J. Conroy, 
Geo. T. Lack, H. Hamilton, G. A. Knight, Sigmond 
Loeb, Samuel Kline, K. J. Kivlin, C. H. Howell, M. T. 
Cone, R. R. Lawther, B. F. Coffman, H. P. Lawther, 
S. J. Potter, F. P. Holland, Wm. Harris, J. H. Web- 
ster, W. J. Keller, G. W. Crutcher, J. H. McClellan, 
J. R. Briggs. 

1892 : Mayor, W. C. Connor ; Mayor pro-tem, J. 
H. McClellan ; City Attorney, A. P. Wozencraft ; As- 
sistant, Mann Trice; City Auditor, J. F. Caldwell; 
City Attorney, Wm. McGrain ; City Treasurer, W. H. 
Gaston; City Judge, Kenneth Foree; Clerk City 
Court, John T. Carter ; Chief of Police, J. C. Arnold ; 
Assistant, G. E. Cornwell; City Collector, J. C. Bo- 
gel ; City Assessor, Joe Blakeney ; City Engineer, D. 



222 Sixty Years in Texas. 

A. Poyner; Superintendent Waterworks, J. M. 
Strong; Health Officer, V. P. Armstrong, M. D. ; City 
Chemist, G. W. Grove, M. D. ; Chief Fire Depart- 
ment; Tom Wilkerson; Street Superintendent, Jake 
Spar; Electrician, J. M. Oram. School Board, T. G. 
Terry, C. A. Gill, J. P. Vaughn, J. L. Peacock, J. S. 
Aldehoff, W. E. Parry, W. White, J. H. Yeargan, M. 
V. Cole, J. J. Collins, C. 0. Wood, H. G. Putman, T. 
G. Harris. Aldermen : W. J. Logan, Pat O'Keefe, 
J. J. Conroy, Geo. T. Lack, G. A. Knight, Curtis P. 
Smith, Neal Starke, Chas. Kahn, K. J. Kivlin, M. B. 
Loonie, M. T. Cone, M. J. P. Lacey, H. P. Lawther, 
C. A. Cour, Geo. C. Cole, T. L. Lawhon, Wm. Bustrin, 
J. C. Woodside, J. H. Webster, W. J. Keller, Y. B. 
Dowell, 0. K. Harry, J H. McClellan, J R. Briggs. 

1893: Mayor, B. T. Barry; City Attorney, A. P. 
Wozencraf t ; City Auditor, J. F. Caldwell ; President 
City Council, H. P. Lawther; Secretary, Wm. Mc- 
Grain; Treasurer, W. H. Gaston; City Judge, Ken- 
neth Force ; Clerk City Court, John H. Carter ; Chief 
Police, J. C. Arnold; Assistant Chief, G. E. Corn- 
well; City Collector, J. C. Bogel; Assessor, Joe 
Blakeney; Enginer, D. A. Poyner; Superintendent 
Waterworks, J. M. Strong; City Health Officer, V. 
P. Armstrong ; City Chemist, G. W. Grove ; Chief of 
Fire Department, Thos. Wilkerson; Street Superin- 
tendent, J. S. Spar; Electrician, J. M. Oram; Alder- 
men : Pat O'Keefe, A. M. Cochran, C. P. Smith, C. 
A. Gill, J. F. Callahan, C. S. Swindell, Chas. Kahn, 
F. S. Kelley, M. J. P. Lacey, C. A. Cour, R. D. Long, 
J. C. Woodside, J. C. Corder, C. E. Bird, J. R. 
Briggs. 

1894: Mayor, B. T. Barry; City Attorney, A. P. 
Wozencraf t; Assistant, T. A. Work; Auditor, J. F. 
Caldwell; Secretary, Chas. G. Morgan; Assistant, 
T. L. Lawhon; Treasurer, E. M. Reardon; City 



Sixty Years in Texas. 223 

Judge, Kenneth Foree; Clerk City Court, M. C. 
Kahn; Chief of Pohce, J. C. Arnold; Assistant, G. 
E. Cornwell; City Collector, T. P. Scott; Deputy 
Collector, F. R. Rowley; Occupation Tax Collector, 
J. F. Metcalf; Assessor, B. M. Melton; Deputy, E. 
H. Happel; Engineer, R. W. Havens; Assistant, 
Hugh Rains; Superintendent Water Works, J. M. 
Strong; Collector of Water Works, J. F. Irwin; 
Inspectors of Water Works, John F. Lucas, John A. 
Capps; Health Officer, Dr. V. P. Armstrong; City 
Chemist, L. Myers Connor; Chief of Fire Depart- 
ment, Tom Wilkerson; Assistant, Tom M. Myers; 
Street Superintendent, P. H. Golden; Electri- 
cian, W. A. Eraser; Engineer City Hall, Mitchell 
Lamey; Janitor, John Devine (col.). Aldermen: 
Pat O'Keefe, A. M. Cochran, Curtis P. Smith, Chas. 
Kahn, T. S. Kelley, M. J. Lacy, C. A. Cour, D. R. 
Long, J. C. Woodside, J. L. Carder, C. E. Bird, J. R. 
Briggs. 

1895 : Mayor, Frank P. Holland ; Mayor pro tem, 
C. A. Cour; City Attorney, A. P. Wozencraft; As- 
sistant, T. A. Work ; Auditor, T. F. Caldwell ; Secre- 
tary, Chas. G. Morgan; Assistant Secretary, 
T. F. Lawhon; Treasurer, E. M. Reardon; 
City Judge, Kenneth Foree; Clerk City Court, 
M. C. Kahn; Chief of Police, J. C. Arnold; 
Assistant Chief, G. E. Cornwell; City Collec- 
tor, T. P. Scott; Deputy Collector, F. R. Row- 
ley; Occupation Tax Collector, James F. Metcalf; 
Assessor, B. M. Melton; Deputy Assessor, E. H. 
Happer; Engineer, R. W. Havens; Assistant Engin- 
eer, Hugh Raines; Superintendent Water Works, J. 
M. Strong; Collector Water Works, J. F. Irwin; In- 
spectors Water Works, John L. Lucas, Chas. A. 
Capps; City Health Officer, Dr. V. P. Armstrong; 
City Chemist, L. Myers Connor; Chief Fire Depart- 



224 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ment, Thos. Wilkerson; Assistant Chief, Thos. My- 
ers; Street Superintendent, P. H. Golden; Electri- 
cian, F. A. Fraser; Engineer City Hall, Richard La- 
mar ; Janitor, John Devine. Aldermen : Pat O'Keef e, 
R. J. Adams, C. P. Smith, Leo Wolfson, F. S. Kelley, 
M. J. P. Lacey, C. A. Cour, D. R. Long, J. C. Wood- 
side, J. C. Corder, M. L. Robertson, W. H. Lince- 
cum. 

1896: Mayor, F. P. Holland; Mayor pro tem, J. 
C. Woodside; City Attorney, A, P. Wozencraft; As- 
sistant, T. A, Work; Auditor, Chas. G. Morgan; 
Secretary, T. L. Lawhon ; Treasurer, E. M. Reardon ; 
Judge, Kenneth Foree ; Clerk, M. C. Kahn ; Chief of 
Police, J. C. Arnold; Assistant Chief, M. W. Kirby; 
Collector, T. P. Scott; Deputy Collector, F. R. Row- 
ley; Occupation Tax Collector, J. F. Metcalf; As- 
sessor, B. M. Melton ; Deputy Assessor, E. H. Hap- 
pel ; Engineer, R. W. Havens ; Assistant, Hugh 
Rains; Superintendent Water Works, J. M. Strong; 
Collector, J. F, Irwin ; Inspectors, Chas. Capps and 
Thos. McGraw; Health Officer, Dr. V. P. Armstrong; 
City Chemist, L. Myers Connor; Chief of Fire De- 
partment, Thomas Wilkerson; Assistant Chief, Tom 
Myers; Electrician, W. A, Frazer; Street Superin- 
tendent, P. H. Golden ; Engineer City Hall, Mitchell 
Lamey ; Janitor, Thos. Chambers (col.). Aldermen: 
Pat O'Keefe, R. T. Adams, Curtis P. Smith, Leo 
Wolfson, F. S. Kelley, M. J. Lacy, C. A. Cour, R. D. 
Long, J. C. Woodside, J. C. Corder, M. L. Robert- 
son, W. H. Lincecum. 

1897: Mayor, Bryan T. Barry; Mayor pro tem, 
F. D. Kelly; City Attorney, A. P. Wozencraft; As- 
sistant, T. A. Work; Auditor, Chas. Morgan; Sec- 
retary, T. L. Lawhon; Treasurer, E. M. Reardon; 
City Judge, C. P. Smith; Clerk, M. C. Kahn; Chief 
of Police, J. C. Arnold ; Assistant Chief, M. W. Kir- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 225 

by; Collector, T. P. Scott; Deputy, Ed F. Pittman; 
Occupation Tax Collector, J. F. Metcalf; Assessor, 
Ben Melton; Deputy, E. H. Happel ; Engineer, Hugh 
B. Rains ; Superintendent Water Works, J. M. 
Strong; Secretary, R. R. Nelms; Inspectors Water 
Works, Chas. A. Capps and Thos. McGraw; Health 
Officer, V. P. Armstrong; City Chemist, L. M. Con- 
nor; Chief of Fire Department, Tom Wilkerson; 
Assistant, J. W. Ryan; Electrician, W. A. Eraser; 
Street Superintendent, P. H. Goldman ; Engineer 
City Hall, Jeremiah M. Campion ; City Janitor, Thos. 
Chambers (col.). Aldermen: D. E. Grove, R. T. 
Adams, A. A. Jackson, Leo Wolfson, F. S. Kelley, 
Theo. Beilharz, A. P. Black, D. R. Long, J. E. Jami- 
son, Kirk Hall, S. L Hunger, W. H. Lincecum. 

1898: Mayor, John H. Traylor; Mayor pro tem, 
W. H. Lincecum; City Attorney, Wm, P. Ellison; 
Assistant, T. A. Work; Auditor, Chas. E. Morgan; 
Secretary, T. L. Lawhon ; Treasurer, E. M, Reardon ; 
City Judge, C. P. Smith; Chief of Police, C. E. Corn- 
well ; Assistant, S. H, Beard ; Captain, T. P. Keehan ; 
Collector, T. P. Scott; Deputy Collector, Ed Pitt- 
man; Occupation Tax Collector, J. S. Metcalf; As- 
sessor, Ben Melton; Deputies, E. H. Happel and G. 
W. Crutcher; Engineer, H. B. Rains; Assistant, 
Leon Dalton ; Superintendent Water Works, J. M. 
Strong; Secretary Water Works, R. R. Nelms; In- 
spectors Water Works, Chas. A. Capps, Thomas Mc- 
Graw and J. Boll ; Health Officer, J. H. Florence ; 
Chief Fire Department, H. F. McGee; Assistant 
Chief, John W. Ryan; Electrician, W. A. Eraser; 
Street Superintendent, J. C. Woodside; Janitor, 
Isaac Leonard (col.). Aldermen: Max Hahn, T. J. 
Barry, Henry Hamilton, Leo Wolfson, J. S. Calla- 
han, Theo. Beilharz, A. P. Black, D. R. Long, H. G. 
Brady, H. L. Hancock, Ed Foy, W. H. Lincecum. 



226 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Board of Commissioners : A. J. Brown, B. N. Boren 
and the Mayor. 

1900 : Mayor, Ben Cabell ; Mayor pro tern, Henry 
Hamilton; City Attorney, W. P. Ellison; Assistant, 
J. J. Collins; Auditor, James B. Reese; Secretary, 
I. A. Moore; Treasurer, E. M. Reardon; City Judge, 
C. P. Smith ; Chief of Police, G. E. Cornwell ; Assist- 
ant, E. F. Gates; Collector, Ford House; Deputy, J. 
S. Robison; Occupation Tax Collector, G. V. Peak; 
Assessor, B. M. Melton; Deputies, E. T. Hutching- 
ton, L. L. Bristol; Engineer, Hugh B. Rains; As- 
sistant, E. L. Dalton ; Superintendent Water Works, 
J. M.- Strong; Secretary Water Works, R. R. Nelms; 
Water Inspector, Chas. S. Swindell ; City Plumbing 
Inspector, Jacob Boll ; City Plumber, Thos. McGraw ; 
Sewer Inspector, Peter Ross ; Health Officer, J. H. 
Florence; Chief Fire Department, H. F. McGee; 
Assistant, J. W. Ryan; Electrician, W. A. Eraser; 
Street Superintendent, O. Lacuture; Janitor, Isaac 
Leonard. Aldermen : 1st Ward, Max Hahn ; 2nd 
Ward, F. J. Barry; 3rd Ward, Henry Hamilton; 4th 
Ward, Leo Wolfson ; 5th Ward, J. S. Callahan ; 6th 
Ward, Theo. Beilharz; 7th Ward, A. P. Black; 8th 
Ward, D. R. Long; 9th Ward, H. G. Brady; 10th 
Ward, H. L. Hancock; 11th Ward, Ed Foy; 12th 
Ward, W. H. Lincecum. Board of Commissioners: 
A. J. Brown, Benj. N. Boren and the Mayor. 

1901 : Mayor, Ben E. Cabell ; Mayor pro tem, D. 
R. Long; City Attorney, Will T. Henry; Assistant, 
J. J. Collins; Auditor, J. K. Reese; Secretary, I. A. 
Moore; Treasurer, E. M. Reardon; City Judge, E. 
G. Bower; Chief of Police, Sterling Price; Assist- 
ant, E. F. Gates; Collector, Sam Taber; Deputy, P. 
H. Talley; Occupation Tax Collector, J. A. Meek; 
Assessor, B. M. Melton ; Deputy Assessor, L. L. Bris- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 227 

tol; Engineer, Hugh B. Rains; Assistant, Leon Dal- 
ton; Superintendent Water Works, John J. Con- 
roy ; Secretary, R. R. Nelms ; City Water Works In- 
spector, W. A. Fanning; City Plumbing Inspector, 
Jacob Boll ; Health Officer, J. H. Florence ; Chief of 
Fire Department, H. F, McGee; Assistant, J. W. 
Ryan; Electrician, S. G. Anderson; Street Superin- 
tendent, W. S. Wilson ; Superintendent Sanitary De- 
partment, F. L. Coe; Janitor, Addison Gaston (col.). 
Aldermen : Ben Irelson, F. J. Barry, D. H, Lindsley, 

C. A. Gill, J. F. Callahan, A. C. Ardrey, A. P. Black, 

D. R. Long; District, Wm. Illingworth, H. L. Han- 
cock, T. L. Lawhon, Julian Capers. Board of Com- 
missioners : Mayor, Bennett Hill, D. F. Sullivan. 

1902 : Mayor, Ben E. Cabell ; Mayor pro tem, 
A. P. Black ; Attorney, Will T. Henry ; Assistant City 
Attorney, James J. Collins; Auditor, James R. 
Reese; Secretary, A. Moore; Treasurer, E. M. Rear- 
don; City Judge, Chas. T. Morris; Chief of Police, 
Sterling Price; Collector, Sam Taber; Assessor, B, 
M. Melton; Engineer, Hugh B. Rains; Superintend- 
ent Water Works, John J. Conroy; Secretary, R. R. 
Nelms; City Plumbing Inspector, Jacob Boll; City 
Plumber, Thomas H. McGraw; Sewer Inspector, 
Peter Ross; Health Officer, J. H. Florence; Elec- 
trician, S. G. Anderson; Street Superintendent, W. 
S. Wilson; Superintendent Sanitary Department, T. 
L. Coe; Superintendent Parks, Robert Tietze. Al- 
dermen : Ben Irelson, F. J. Barry, D. H. Lindsley, 
C. A. Gill, J. F. Callahan, C. S. Swindells, A. P. 
Black, D. R. Long, District, W. Illingsworth, H. L. 
Hancock, B. T. Lawhon, Julian Capers. Board of 
Commissioners: Mayor, Bennett Hill, D. F. Sulli- 
van. 

1903: Mayor, Ben Cabell; City Attorney, Will 
T. Henry; Assistant City Attorney, James J. Collins; 



228 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Auditor, James R. Reese; Secretary, I. A. Moore; 
Treasurer, Royal A. Ferris; City Judge, Curtis P. 
Smith; Chief of Police, R. L. Winfrey; Collector, 
Sam Taber; Assessor, B. M. Melton; Engineer, Hugh 
B. Rains; Superintendent Water Works, John J. 
Conroy ; Secretary Water Works, R. R. Nelms ; City 
Plumbing Inspector, Jacob Boll; City Plumber, 
Thomas H. McGraw; Sewer Inspector, Peter Ross; 
Health Officer, J. H. Smart ; Chief of Fire Depart- 
ment, H. F. McGee; Assistant Chief, T. A. Myers; 
Electrician, S. G. Anderson; Street Superintendent, 
Wm. S. Wilson; Building Inspector, D. C. McCord, 
Jr. ; Superintendent of Sanitary Department, Frank 
L. Coe ; Chief Sanitary Inspector, B. B. Linskie ; Su- 
perintendent Parks, Robert Tietze. Aldermen : Ben 
Irelson, W. G. Edwards, J. W. Shanks, C. A, Gill, 
J. F. Callahan, G. C. Morgan, C. C. Lane, G. H. 
Irish ; in district, Wm. Illingworth, H. L. Hancock, 
James Moroney, H. G. Brady. Commissioners : Ben- 
nett Hill, D. F. Sullivan and the Mayor. 

1904 : Mayor, Bryan T. Barry ; City Attorney, 
James J. Collins; Auditor, Chas, T. Morriss; Secre- 
tary, Joseph N. Winslett; Treasurer, Royal A. Fer- 
ris ; City Judge, C. P. Smith ; Chief of Police, Epps 
G. Knight; Collector, Sam Taber; Assessor, Ben 
Melton; Engineer, Hugh B. Rains; Superintendent 
Water Works, Thomas McGraw; Secretary, R. R. 
Nelms; City Plumbing Inspector, Jacob Boll; Sewer 
Inspector, Peter Ross; Health Officer, J. H. Smart; 
Chief Fire Department, H. F. McGee; Assistant, T. 
A. Myers ; Electrician, S. G. Anderson ; Street Su- 
perintendent, R. P. Sanderson ; Building Inspector, 
D. C. McCord, Jr. ; Superintendent Sanitary Depart- 
ment, Frank L. Coe ; Chief Inspector, H. B. Linskie ; 
Superintendent Parks, Robert Tietze. Aldermen: 
Joseph Leroy, W. G. Edwards, J. E. Flanders, J. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 229 

F. Callahan, C. H. Read, Wallie Felton, G. H. Irish, 
Chas. Steinmann, Ben Irelson; District, J. Howard 
Ardrey; District, T. L. Lawhon; District, C. A. Gill. 
Commissioners : Bennett Hill, D. F. Sullivan and the 
Mayor. 

1905: Mayor, B. T. Barry; Mayor pro tern, J. 
Howard Ardrey; Attorney, J. J. Collins; Auditor, 
Chas. T. Morriss; Secretary, Joseph B. Winslett; 
Treasurer, E. J. Gannon; City Judge, C. P. Smith; 
Chief of Police, Epps G. Knight ; Collector, Sam Ta- 
ber; Assessor, B. M. Melton; Engineer, E. L. Dalton; 
Superintendent Water Works, D. F. Sullivan; Sec- 
retary Water Works, R. R. Nelms; Assistant Secre- 
tary Water Works, James B. Simpson, Jr. ; Engi- 
neer of Distribution, W. J. M. Preston ; City Plumb- 
ing Inspector, Jacob Boll ; Sev/er Inspector, Peter 
Ross; Health Officer, J. H. Smart; Superintendent 
Fire Department, H. F. McGee; Assistant Chief, 
T. S. Myers; Electrician, S. G. Anderson; Street 
Superintendent, I. B. Sira; Building Inspector, L. 
L. Bristol; Superintendent Sanitary Department, 
Frank L. Coe; Chief Sanitary Inspector, A. S. De- 
Lee ; Superintendent Parks, Robert Tietze ; Board of 
Appeals, C. H. Huvelle, S. M. Leftwich, C. M. Bolles, 
Aldermen : Joseph Leroy, W. G. Edwards, J. A. Pon- 
drom, J. E. Flanders, J. F. Callahan, G. H. Irish, 
Chas. Steinmann, Thomas F. Lewis, Ben Irelson; 
District, J. Howard Ardrey, T. L. Lawhon, C. A. 
Gill. Board of Commissioners : A. B. Flanary, Louis 
Blaylock and the Mayor. 

1906: Mayor, C. P. Smith; Mayor pro tem, W. 

D. Burke; Attorney, J. J. Collins; Auditor, C. T. 
Morriss; Secretary, Joseph B. Winslett; Treaurer, 

E. J. Gannon; City Judge, H. B. Williams; Clerk 
City Court, Frank Rainey; Chief of Police, R. P. 
Keith; Collector, Sam Taber; Assessor, B. M. Mel- 



230 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ton; Engineer, E. L. Dalton; Superintendent Water 
Works, R. R. Nelms ; Secretary Water Works, James 
E. Record ; Assistant Secretary Water Works, James 

B. Simpson, Jr. ; Engineer of Distribution, W. J. M. 
Preston ; Chief Engineer of Water Works, J. M. Bas- 
sett; City Plumbing Inspector, Jacob Boll; Sewer 
Inspector, Peter Ross; Health Officer, T. B. Fisher; 
Superintendent Fire Department, H. F. McGee; As- 
sistant Chief, T. A. Myers ; Electrician, S. G. Ander- 
son; Street Superintendent, I. B. Sira; Building In- 
spector, L. L. Bristol; Superintendent Sanitary De- 
partment, Frank L. Coe; Chief Sanitary Inspector, 
A. S. DeLee; Superintendent Parks, Robert Tietze; 
Board of Appeals, C. H. Huvelle, S. M. Leftwich, 

C. M. Bolles. Board of Commissioners : C. P. Smith, 
A. B. Flanary, H. 0. Samuels. 

1907-8: Mayor, S. J. Hay; Commissioners: Har- 
ry L. Seay, Police and Fire Commissioner ; Wm. Do- 
ran, Street Commissioner and Commissioner of Pub- 
lic Property; Dan F. Sullivan, Water and Sewerage 
Commissioner; C. B. Gillespie, Commissioner Fi- 
nance and Revenue; J. B. Winslett, City Secretary; 
J. J. Fannin, Secretary to Board of Commissioners ; 
J. J. CoHins, City Attorney ; J. M. Preston, City En- 
gineer, has just succeeded E. M. Dalton ; W. T. Hen- 
derson, City Auditor; R. R. Nelms, Secretary and 
Collector Water Department; Ben Melton, Tax As- 
sessor and Collector; W. L. Mathis, Judge Corpora- 
tion Court; B. F. Brandenburg, Chief of Police; 
Chas. Graham, City Electrician; T. B. Fisher, City 
Physician; L. L. Bristol, City Building Inspector; 
I. B. Sira, Street Superintendent; F. L. Coe, Super- 
intendent Sanitary Department. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 231 

POPULATION OF THE CITY OF DALLAS 

AND DALLAS COUNTY 

The population of Dallas was small in 1861, 
probably 1,000; that includes slaves. 

Population of Dallas County, United States Cen- 
sus Report, in the year 1850 2,743 

In the year 1859, not the Government report, 

vv^hite 7,729' 

Negro slaves 1,080 

In the year 1860, Government report 8,665 

In the year 1870, Government report 13,314 

In the year 1880, Government- report 33,448 

In the year 1890, Government report 67,042 

In the year 1900, Government report 82,726 

In the year 1872, City 1,500 

In the year 1873, City 2,063 

In the year 1880, City 10,358 

Population in 1890 38,067 

Population in 1900 42,638 

Population by Worley for Directory, 1907. . 77,678 

In addition just outside of city limits 3,702 

The first Mayor elected in 1856 received 58 votes. 
His competitor, A. A, Rice, received 34 votes. 

The election in the County, Aug. 31, 1850, for the 
permanent location of the County Seat of Dallas, the 
result was: 

Hord's Ridge, now Oak Cliff 216 

Dallas 244 

A majority of 28 

There was some excitement in this election, and 
the County was well canvassed in a former election. 
Cedar Springs was a candidate and received 101 
votes, Dallas 191, Hord's Ridge 178. 



232 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The official municipal history of Dallas in its 
personnel has thus been given from the beginning 
in 1856 to 1908, a period of fifty-two years, and the 
personnel of the Mayors from 1856 to 1908, and 
the voting population has increased from 92 to 12,- 
742 legal voters in 1908. A few of the minor mat- 
ters and official positions have been omitted, since 
1887. It is a compilation well Vv^orth preserving, and 
in the time to come in the days of those grand frui- 
tions which to all human appearances are in store 
for John Neely Bryan section and John Grigsby 
league and labor, they will be held as invaluable 
memorials of the early times and struggles of those 
who have gone before to found on this favored spot, 
at least speaking comparatively in this day of suc- 
cessive marvels in the movement of population, a 
great inland seat of commerce, manufactures, schools 
and colleges and all those industries which in modern 
times pertain to such an aggregation of enlightened 
humanity in a country blessed by nature and by the 
Ruler of all, despite an interval of disorder and 
usurpation, blessed with free Democratic institu- 
tions under which liberty reigns. 



DISTRICT JUDGES OF DALLAS COUNTY, 
1840 TO 1908 

The following District Judges reside elsewhere 
and have a large district, presided successively in 
Dallas from the fall of 1846 to the year 1856 : Wil- 
liam B. Ochiltree held the first Court in 1846, fol- 
lowed by Amos Clark in 1847; Bennett H. Martin 
served in 1848, then Oran M. Roberts came on in 
1850, and in 1853 John H. Reagan served, and in 
1856 the new District was created, and Nat M. Bur- 
ford elected and held the office until the spring of 



Sixty Years in Texas. 233 

1862 ; John W. Ferris of Ellis County was then elect- 
ed, and held until the election, under the Constitu- 
tion of 1860, but R. W. Scott convened Court and 
presided one term, to October, 1866. 

The Criminal District Court of Dallas, McKin- 
ney and Sherman, created by Act of the Legislature, 
passed June 4, 1873. Silas Hare of Sherman ap- 
pointed Judge and held Court until the office was 
abolished by the Constitution of 1876. 



DISTRICT JUDGES OF DALLAS COUNTY, 
1846 TO 1887. 

The following District Judges resided elsewhere, 
and having a large district, presided successively 
in Dallas from the fall of '46 to the year '56 : Wil- 
liam B. Ochiltree (1846) held the first Court, fol- 
lowed in 1847 by Amos Clark; Bennett H. Martin 
served in 1848; Oran M. Roberts, 1850; J. H. Rea- 
gan, 1853, of the nevv^ district created in the begin- 
ning of 1856. Nat M. Burford was elected Judge 
and held office until the spring of 1862. John W. 
Ferris of Ellis County was then elected and held 
until the election under the Constituiton of 1866, 
when John J. Good of Dallas was then chosen, and 
served until removed by military authority as an 
impediment to reconstruction. In December, 1867, 
D. 0. Norton, of ParkerCounty, was appointed in 
his place, and in November, 1868 (having died) A. 
B. Norton of Dallas was appointed, and it is but 
simple justice to say that both the people and the 
bar gave him credit of being a fair and impartial 
Judge. He served until 1870, when Gov. Davis ap- 
pointed a stranger named C. T. Garland, and in 
May, 1871, Hardin Hart, who resigned in the spring 
of 1873, and was succeeded by Hickerson Barksdale 
of Dallas. 



234 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Nat M. Burford was elected in 1876, and served 
until July, 1877, when he resigned, and Gov. Hub- 
bard appointed Zimri Hunt to fill the unexpired 
term. In 1878 George N. Aldredge was elected, and 
held the office until 1888. Judge Burke succeeded 
Aldredge, and served two terms. Fourteenth Dis- 
trict, until 1896. Then Judge W. J. J. Smith was 
elected, and served from December, 1896, to Janu- 
ary, 1900, and resigned, and Judge Eckford was ap- 
pointed and served balance of term. Then Judge 
Nash was elected, and is now in office 

The Court was divided in 1889, and Judge Tuck- 
er was appointed and the Fourty-Fourth Judicial 
District created, and served until 1890. He was 
then elected without opposition and served until 
1893, and resigned, and Judge Gray was appointed 
and served balance of the term. Then elected and 
served until 1898. Then Judge Morgan was elected 
and served until his death. Then Judge E. B. Muse 
was appointed, and is now holding the office. 



CRIMINAL COURT 

In 1890 the population of Dallas County was 67,- 
042, the city 38,067, a gain in the city of 27,709 in 
ten years, and the county had just doubled. In 
1893 a separate Criminal Court was created, and 
Judge Chas. F. Clint was appointed, and presided 
over that Court for one year, and in 1894 he was 
elected and served two terms, until 1902 ; then Judge 
E. B. Muse was elected and served four years, and 
was returned in 1906, and resigned in February, 
1907. Judge R. R. Nelms is serving by appointment. 

We have the following Courts in Dallas : 
Fourteenth Judicial Court, presided over by 
Judge T. F. Nash. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 235 

Forty-Fourth Judicial Court, presided over by 
Judge E, B. Muse. 

The Criminal Court, presided over by W. W. 
Nelms. 

In 1907 there was another County Court cre- 
ated, and Judge W. M. Holland was elected, and 
now presides over that court. The amount of busi- 
ness had so increased and so much probate business 
to be attended to that it was impossible for one 
Court to transact all the business. 

The County and Probate Court, presided over 
by H. F. Lively. 

Justice Court, Precinct No. 1, presided over by 
W. M. Edwards. 

Justice Court, Precinct No. 1, presided over by 
John F. Williams. 

City Court, presided over by Judge W. L. Mathis. 

Court of Criminal Appeals, presided over by 
W. L. Davidson, M. M. Brooks and W. T. Ramsey, 
Associates Justice. 

Court of Civil Appeals, Anson Rainey, Chief 
Justice; Hovv^ard Templeton and John Bookhout, 
Associate Justices. 

Federal Court, presided over by Judge E. R. 
Meek. 

Commissioners' Court, Hiram F. Lively, Judge; 
Commissioners, R. W. Eaton, District 1 ; H. H. Ben- 
nett, District 2; C. D. Smith, District 3; W. H. Pip- 
pin, District 4. 



236 Sixty Years in Texas. 

COURT HOUSES 

The first Court House built in Dallas County 
was in 1850. Size 16x32 feet, and nine feet from 
floor to ceiling, with a partition in the center mak- 
ing two rooms, with a stack chimney built of stone 
with a fire-place in each room. The outside walls 
were weatherboarded with four-foot boards, well 
shaved, one door of the usual size in each room, with 
good beaten shutter, with book-case in each room 
alongside the chimney. In 1855 there was a con- 
tract let to Moore & Wilkes to build another Court 
House. The plans for this new Court House were 
drawn by John G. Wood, J. M. Patterson and others, 
and it was built out of the best brick that could be 
manufactured in the County. Said house was 50 
feet square, and two stories high, and covered with 
lead roofing, and all the wood was pine except 
sleepers and joists, that were of oak. There was a 
brick chimney in each corner of the house. This 
was considered a magnificent structure at that time. 
Dallas County held her courts in this building for 
fifteen or sixteen years. 

In 1871 this Court House was condemned as 
unsafe, and sold for a very small sum, and in 1871 
another Court House was built on the same ground. 
White stone, quarried in this County, was used for 
the construction of this building. It was two stories 
high, and made a very pretty building. 

In 1880 this building was partially destroyed by 
fire, the four walls being all that remained after 
the fire. The walls being good, another story was 
added, and the building presented a very beautiful 
appearance. But again in 1890 this building was 
destroyed by fire, and nothing left but the charred 
and ruined walls of Dallas County's fourth Court 



Sixty Years in Texas. 237 

House. It is fortunate for Dallas County that the 
records have been preserved. After the destruction 
of this house Dallas County decided to build a fine 
Court House, and the present structure is second to 
none in the State, built on the same ground that 
has been used for that purpose nearly sixty years. 
If I remember right, John Neely Bryan gave to the 
County ninety-three lots 50x100 feet for the location 
of the county seat at Dallas. These lots are situated 
around the Court House and where the Court House 
stands, and five Commissioners were appointed to 
sell the lots for the County, and soon after the elec- 
tion, which took place August 5th, 1850, the Com- 
missioners, J. A. Smith, R. J. West, Amon M. Comas, 
W. J. Walker and Micajah Goodwin, advertised the 
lots, and the days of sale. They were sold at auction 
to the highest bidder, and the prices ranged from 
ten to sixty dollars, and only one that sold for sixty 
dollars and fifty cents, and a very few that went as 
high as thirty dollars. There were four lots sold for 
fiftv dollars each. 



238 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The Yellowstone Park 

A special imprint of divinity by Almighty God 
has been stamped on this wonderland, and there is a 
very small per cent, of our people that realize what a 
treasure w^e possess, a marvelous section of our earth 
eight thousand feet above the sea level, and nearly as 
large as Dallas, Denton and Collin counties. Three 
sides of it is guarded by lofty and almost inaccessible 
mountains. I visited this, our National Park, in 
August, 1907. This visit gave me great pleasure and 
happiness. I looked upon some wonderful sights day 
after day, and the more I savv^ the more interesting 
it became. It looks like one vast amphitheater, near- 
ly surrounded by mountain peaks, and their snow- 
capped summits glisten in the sun and look grand 
and sublime. The mountains principally are brand- 
ed with fire and seem to be volcanic in their origin. 
They are symbolic of the entire park. Fire and water 
are the two great forces which have for ages strug- 
gled for supremacy. 

It was a great surprise to me, as we drove up to 
the great hotel. The broad piazza was immense, 
forty feet broad and four hundred feet in length, and 
accommodation equal to the modern hotels of our 
cities, clean and comfortable beds, and a complete 
service. A staff of waiters in the dining room, a bell 
boy service. They manufacture their own electric- 
ity, and at the proper time every thing is lit up with 
a blaze of electric light. I stopped a part of two days 
and one night at the Old Faithful Inn. I had heard 
it spoken of, but I was not prepared for such a sur- 
prise. The entire building is of logs, and has over 
two hundred rooms, and its cost was two hundred 
thousand dollars. Its broad piazza and spacious sit- 
ting room and large dining hall capable of seating a 
hundred and fifty or two hundred people. The sit- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 239 

ting room had an immense stack chimney in the cen- 
ter, with a fire place on every side, four very large 
fire places. The chairs are all rustic, and very com- 
fortable. This Old Faithful Inn is situated in one of 
the most interesting parts of this wonderland. With- 
in one-half mile there are as many as thirty geysers, 
and as many as fifteen or sixteen have been observed 
in action at the same time. Many of these geysers 
during the past ages have built up for themselves 
cones or funnels with the minerals contained in the 
boiling water and oftentimes they look like an old 
ruin or rock with no indication of activity whatever. 
But at intervals they throw up a large volume of 
boiling water and steam, and some of these volcanic 
fountains will play for nearly half an hour before 
their contents are discharged. 

Some of the geysers seem to be losing their pow- 
er. I think the Old Faithful geyser is waning, but 
is still a v/onder. The Old Faithful geyser and the 
Beehive are situated only about three or four hun- 
dred yards apart. The Old Faithful throws up an 
immense volume of boiling water every sixty or 
seventy minutes. It is said it never exceeds seventy 
minutes, an amount that would furnish water for a 
city as large or larger than the city of Dallas. The 
Beehive is not so regular in its habits and will some- 
times go for thirty or forty days, and when in action 
the water is thrown to a height of one hundred and 
eighty to two hundred feet high. 

Within the area of the active geysers' is a place 
called Hell's Half Acre, and it has the right name. 
Rough perpendicular ledges project, from which 
clouds of steam are constantly arising, and when the 
wind blows back these sulphur laden fumes the vis- 
itor can look down and see a boiling lake below. 

John L. Stoddard says : 

Suddenly in 1881 the underlying force hurled the 



240 Sixty Years in Texas. 

entire lake up bodily to a height of two hundred and 
fifty feet, and repeated these eruption frequently. 
After some months the exhibition ceased, and it was 
again calm for seven years, and in 1888 it burst 
forth again with such prodigious force that it threw 
up more water than all the other geysers in the Park 
combined, and tons of rock were thrown up with the 
water more than two hundred feet high. There is 
no telling when this sleeping giant will be aroused 
again. Here within the circumference of half a mile 
there are three geysers, one playing every seventy 
minutes, one every thirty or forty days and the other 
seven years apart. Will scientists please explain? 
The Old Faithful is a favorite with the tourists. The 
opening through which this miracle of nature 
springs is at the summit of a beautiful mound that 
has been gradually formed, and its ancient and griz- 
zled look tells of a past whose secrets still remain a 
mystery, and we contemplate and look on this won- 
der with bated breath. The entire slope has been 
built up gradually, atom after atom, through many 
ages, during which time, no doubt, the geyser hour 
by hour has faithfully performed its part without a 
spectator to note its splendor or a tourist to sing its 
praises to the world. 

Old Faithful does not owe its popularity to its 
height or beauty. It is beloved for its regularity. 
Whatever irregularities the other geysers may have, 
the Old Faithful never fails. Day and night, winter 
and summer, year in and year out, in cold and heat, 
sunshine and in storm, every seventy minutes it 
sends up an immense volume of boiling water a hun- 
dred and fifty or two hundred feet high, and of all 
the geysers known to man this is the most reliable 
and perfect. During my stay there I have noted 
its regularity. As we went through Hell's Half Acre 
our guide was with us, and pointed out many dan- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 241 

gerous places. The earth was hot and in many places 
the crust was thin, and many holes of boiling water 
or paint pots. They are beautiful pools of boiling* 
water. It is almost inconceivable to those that have 
never seen them. No description can do them jus- 
tice. No photographer can reproduce them, and no 
artist's brush can portray their peculiar coloring. 
Their hues are varied, and as I looked on them with 
wonder and admiration I thought it was the most 
beautiful sight that I had ever beheld, and at night 
we could look out over this great valley of geysers 
and see them rise and fall with almost ceaseless reg- 
ularity, a scene unequaled in the world. 

In the upper basin Vv^e found what is known as 
the Mammoth Paint Pot. The earth around it is 
cracked and blistered by heat. This Paint Pot looks 
like an enormous caldron of hot mush, of varied tints 
of color, and it looked like a huge vat where skilled 
painters had been engaged in mixing their colors. 
There is also a horrible object known as the Mud 
Geyser, and by crawling up a steep bank we could 
look down into the crater. Its ugly mouth was twelve 
or fiften feet in diameter, and a throat some six 
feet in diameter, and of an unknown depth. His 
throat was filled v^^ith boiling mud, which rose and 
fell in sickening gulps as if the monster was strang- 
ling from the slimy mixture, which all its efl'orts 
could not possibly dislodge. Occasionally the sicken- 
ing mixture would sink from view as if the strang- 
ling wretch had swallowed it; then could be heard, 
hundreds of feet below, a retching a strangling and 
pumping, and in a few moments it would come up 
again, belched out with such explosive force that a 
boiling spray of mud was thrown so high that those 
standing near had to scramble to get out of the way. 
A single drop of it would have burned like molten 
lava. 



242 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Here we could hear a roaring sound like the 
steam escaping from a great trans-Atlantic liner, 
and we moved on towards the grovv^ling noise, and 
at last we reached the cause — a mass of steam- that 
rushed through an opening in the ground. This is 
surrounded by a rock as black as jet, and it is called 
the Black Growler, and when near it a person cannot 
hear his ears. A mass of steam rushes from it day 
and night, winter and summer, year in and year out, 
and I have no doubt but it has for ages, in one un- 
broken volume, keeping up the same terrific roaring. 
But this is not all. Volumes could be written in de- 
scribing this wonderland, and the marvels of our 
National Park. The most wonderful of them all is 
the world renowned Yellowstone Canyon. The in- 
troduction to this is sublime. It is a waterfall. The 
entire volume of the Yellowstone River falls three 
hundred and sixty feet. The river is compressed 
into the narrow space of seventy feet and with rush 
and roar and maddening flow it leaps the precipice 
into the yawning gulf below. I, with other tourists, 
v/ent down a flight of four hundred and ninety steps, 
near the great volume of Vs^ater that leaped from 
the precipice into the gulf below, the spray bounding 
back and producing a beautiful rainbow. 

The banks of the canyon are fifteen hundred feet 
high, and of many different colors, much of it a 
bright yellow and red, white, lavender and green. 
The ceaseless roar of this great volume of water 
echoes and re-echoes down the Canyon. It is an 
awe-inspiring scene, and looking at the falls from 
a distance they look like a long, white robe, nearly 
four hundred feet in length. The channel seems nar- 
row and deep, and as we look at it from the platform 
over the falls it looks like a silver ribbon as it winds 
its way down the canyon and is lost in the distance, 
and the passing clouds almost perform a miracle. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 243 

The lights and shades that follow one another down 
the gorge vary in tints of different, changing colors. 

There is another striking feature in the National 
Park — the petrified forest. There is a large area that 
solitary columns can be seen that were once the 
trunks of trees, but are now solid stone shafts. One 
can see by examining the columns that they were 
once wood. The bark and rings can be plainly seen. 
John L. Stoddard says : This forest must have been 
submerged by a mineral deposit, and it is marvelous 
to relate that to excavating on the hill side many lay- 
ers of such forest have been found, and these forests 
are divided by as many layers of lava. Jut think of 
the ages that these different forests represent ! There 
is still another wonderful and striking feature in the 
National Park — a mountain of jet black glass, pro- 
duced by volcanic fire. John L, Stoddard says : 

This glass is used by the Indians for arrow heads, 
and is known as the Great Indian Armory, and is 
neutral ground, and here they come for instruments 
of war. The first explorers found this mountain a 
very difficult proposition to get over, John L. Stod- 
dard says, but when they ascertained M^hat it was 
composed of they piled up timber at the base of the 
mountain and set it on fire, and when the glass Vv^as 
hot they threw water on it, and it broke into frag- 
ments and then with picks and shovels and prize 
poles they pushed in down into the lake, and opened 
a wagon road for a thousand feet in length. 

When the tourists reach the large hotel situated 
near the banks of the Yellowstone Lake they have the 
opportunity of taking passage on a steamboat across 
the lake to the next stopping place. It is a large 
boat capable of carrying six hundred passengers, and 
to appreciate Lake Yellowstone one should make the 
trip in the evening of a clear day and see the sunset 
glow. We landed at one station to see a herd of 



244 Sixty Years in Texas. 

buffalo and elk. One of the buffaloes was said to 
be the largest in America, and came from Texas. We 
soon set sail again, and quite a gale of wind was 
blowing, but we reached our destination before much 
sea sickness took place, but had some difficulty in 
making the landing. This lake is the fisherman's 
paradise, and some of the lovers of the sport Have 
said they would rather be a fisherman here than 
to be an angel. The mountain trout are here in abun- 
dance, and will weigh from one to three pounds. 
They are served at the hotels almost every meal. 

There are two steamboats on this like, one of 
recent date that is much larger than the old one. 
Imagine the labor required to take this vessel such 
a distance from the end of the railroad ! The Yellow- 
stone Lake is about eight thousand feet above the 
sea level. The fleecy summer clouds that pass over 
our heads daily in Texas are about the same height 
as the steamboats that ply upon the bosom of this 
wonderful lake in our National Park. There are 
several hundred stage coaches, with four horses to 
each coach. They meet the trains regularly, and 
make regular trips around the Park, and any of the 
tourists that wish to stop over can do so, and be 
taken on the next day. There are many that camp 
out. They generally employ a private conveyance 
and take their own time. The government troops 
protect the animals, and it is a violation of law to 
molest or interfere with anything in the Park, and 
a heavy penalty attached. They claim thirty thou- 
sand elk and deer in the Park. The bears are numer- 
out and becoming quite gentle. A number of them 
come down out of the mountains near the hotels 
every evening to pick of the scraps and waste that 
is thrown out. One evening fourteen came down for 
their supper, and most of the visitors went out to see 
them, and they did not seem to be afraid of us, 



Sixty Years in Texas. 245 

but we did not pet them very much. The tourists 
are allowed to fish ; that pleasure is free in the Park, 
and the campers have great sport fishing, and all 
the fish they can eat. 

THE YELLOWSTONE CANON. 

Within the girdle of these snow-capped peaks 

The wondrous hand divine 
Has blended the beautiful and the terrible 

With the strange and the sublime. 

It is one enormous amphitheatre 

That by nature's God was planned, 

And in the arena struggled forces 
Long before the time of man. 

The Gladiators were volcanoes 

That struggled in this awful fight. 

With no spectators but the sun by day 
And the moon and stars by night. 

Fire and water were the force 

With lurid flame and scalding steam ; 

They struggled here for ages 

And produced this wondrous scene. 

The rocks did rend, the earth did quake. 
And the mountains cleft asunder, 

And we trembling stand upon the brink 
And look down, and down, and wonder. 

The great river of the Yellowstone, 

With rush and rage and maddening flow. 

Leaps the awful precipice 

Into a yawning, foaming gulf below. 

When we stand on the mount of inspiration. 
And behold this awful scene so grand. 

We know the wonders here to be described 
Are beyond the power of mortal man. 



246 Sixty Years in Texas. 

There are numerous geysers in this wonderland 
That are in action night and day, 

And the boihng water is thrown so high 
That it falls back like a silver spray. 

There is one that is named Old Faithful, 

That goes up on schedule time, 
A boiling volume in the air 

That looks so glorious and sublime. 

Then there is a noisy old black growler, 

An ancient, rough old timer. 
That blows off steam both night and day 

Like a great Atlantic liner. 

Then there is a monstrous ugly caldron 

Filled with boiling mineral mud and slime, 

That at intervals it swallows, 

Then throws it up again on time. 

There are numerous boiling lakes and paint pots. 
With every shade of color that shines like 
burnished gold ; 

And the tourists seem delighted 

When these beauties they behold. 

— Geo. Jackson. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 247 

Brief History of the First Baptist 
Church of Dallas 

The church was organized on the 30th day of 
July, 1868. There were eleven constituent members, 
to-wit: E. G. Mays, W. L. Williams, John Hanna, 
Mrs. Lou B. Williams, Mrs. M. L. Bowman, Mrs. 
C. E. Mayo, Mrs. A. C. Mays, Mrs. N. E. Collins, 
Mrs. Martha Seegar, Mrs. A. C. Daniels (Akard), 
Mrs. M. E. Kerfoot. Upon the organization of the 
church, W. W. Harris was elected pastor for half his 
time; he served about six months and resigned. 

The church organized and maintained a Sunday 
School, and did the best it could without a pastor 
until October 8th, 1871, when Elder C. A. Stanton 
was called and served the church one-half his time, 
until May 12th, 1872, when he resigned, and Brother 
Abraham Weaver was called upon a salary of $1,000 
a year, and served the church until Sept. 25, 1875. 
Rev. G. W. Rogers served as pastor from Jan. 23, 
1876, to Oct. 31, 1877. 

The church was pastorless then until 1878, when 
Elder J. H. Curry was installed, and served the 
church until June, 1882, and the church was without 
a pastor, but not without preaching, till January, 
1883, when Rev. R. T. Hanks was installed as pas- 
tor, and served until the close of the year 1889. Rev. 
A. M. Sims was pastor from 1890 to July, 1892. Rev. 
C. T. Seasholes was called to the pastorate Sept. 1, 
1892, and served until July, 1897. Rev. George W. 
Truett, the present pastor, was called to the pastor- 
ate, and began his work Sept. 1st, 1897. 

The growth of this church has been remarkable, 
and has grown rapidly during the last ten years. In 
1892 the membership was 643; in 1901, 1,020; at 
present, 1,400. 



248 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Under the able management and earnest preach- 
ing of our present pastor, large crowds have been 
attracted to hear him. The handsome and costly 
church that was built in 1889 and '90, and was 
thought at that time to be large enough to accommo- 
date the people for the present generation, in late 
years has been entirely too small to accommodate the 
multitudes that have been attracted there. 

The present church auditorium, that is nearly 
completed, has a seating capacity of nearly 4,000, 
and is the largest church auditorium in the State, 
and is handsome in appearance. 

The total collections by the church for all pur- 
poses in the year 1905, was $28,675.09 

Total collections for the year 1906, was. . . 46,490.31 
Total collections for the year 1907, was. . . 49,244.11 

The Sunday School, under the capable and effi- 
cient management of Dr. Bush Jones, our faithful 
superintendent, has kept pace with the church. Ten 
years ago, when he took charge of it, the attendance 
was from 225 to 250 scholars. The report for April 
30th, 1908, shows enrolled for the main school. . 711 

The home department 350 

The cradle roll 250 



Total enrollment 1311 

The Sunday School collections for the year end- 
ing April 30th, 1908, were $1,800.00. 



JEHOVAH REIGNS. 

The great Jehovah is wisely reigning 
Over worlds created by His hand ; 

The rolling seas, majestic mountains. 
Are all a part of God's great plan. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 249 

The northern blast, the chilhng winds 

And drifting snows throughout the land, 

Prepares the earth for coming spring. 
And is all a part of God's own plan. 

When spring has come with balmy breezes, 

And life is seen on every hand. 
Beauty peeps from bud and blossom. 

And it's all a part of God's great plan. 

The thunders roll doMm hill and valley. 

And the lightning looks sublime and grand ; 

The waving grain and ripening fruit 
Shows God's eternal love for man. 

The graceful hills and fertile valleys. 

Laden with rich fruit for man, 
Depths of wisdom, love divine. 

All a part of God's great plan. 

Summer suns and southern breezes 

Gently wafted o'er the land, 
Makes golden sheaves and rich, ripe fruit, 

A gracious gift from God to man. 

The blazing sun, a mighty monarch, 

Shining dov^^n upon our land, 
The world revolving on its axis. 

Is all a part of God's great plan. 

Numerous planets, all in motion. 

Endless space, seems broad and broader; 

Solar system after system. 

Everything in perfect order. 

We wondering look with admiration 

At His grand and glorious plan; 
The silver moon and star decked heavens. 

Whispering words too deep for man. 



250 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Should we not then obey God's teaching, 
And look with reverence on His plan, 

And trust to Him for our salvation, 

Although it seems too deep for man? 

George Jackson. 



The Rise and Progress of the M. 

E. Church, South, in the 

City of Dallas. 

By Rev. W. H. Hughes. 

The first time I ever attended divine worship in 
what was then the village of Dallas was early in 
1853. The Rev. James A. Smith, a most reputable 
preacher, gave us an excellent sermon in a little 
paint shop about fourteen feet square. There were 
perhaps one dozen present at that time. There was 
no church house in the town, nor was there any 
church organization of any denomination. Just 
where the First Methodist Society was organized 
and by whom I do not novv^ recollect, but it was some 
time in 1854. From that time on regular preaching 
was kept up by both the circuit and local preachers. 
They preached in the Courtouse and in the Masonic 
hall. 

In 1867 Dallas was made a station, and Rev. W. 
H. Hughes was stationed there that and the follow- 
ing year. During his pastorate old Lamar Street 
Church was built, where the Gaston building now 
stands, on the corner of Commerce and Lamar 
streets. The lot was donated by Mrs. Sarah Cock- 
rell. This church VN^as burned in 1878. Since that 
time the little village of Dallas has grown into a 
city of 100,000, and from the ashes of the old church 



Sixty Years in Texas. 251 

there are to-day nine different charges, (not count- 
ing the Northern Methodist or the African Metho- 
dist), with 4663 members and 3275 in the Sunday 
Schools, and yet the field is white to harvest. 



252 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Promiscuous Poems 



FROM THE ALAMO TO SAN JACINTO. 

You may talk about Napoleon, 

And sing of Washington and Lee ; 

But they can't compare with the Texas men 
That fought for liberty. 

You may read the history of all nations, 

And the brave of every land ; 
But there is nothing found to equal 

Colonel Travis and his band. 

Before the storming of the Alamo 

By a dim and flickering light 
A line was drawn by Travis 

To test them for the fight. 

Now all that want to die like heroes 

Just step across this line. 
And in a rush they all responded, 

And stepped across on time. 

They were like a group of giants 

That were nerved to do or die; 
And they fought the hordes so desperate 

That it made the price of victory high. 

It was early in the morning when they stormed 
the Alamo, 
*But they killed them as they came, and 
killed them on the wall, 
And with their knives and muskets. 
They tried to kill them all. 

*One hundred and eighty-two Texans against 
five thousand Mexicans, and in thirty minutes they 
killed and wounded 500 of the foe. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 253 

They all fought to desperation, 

That our country might be free ; 
And Texas was baptized with blood 

In the creed of liberty. 

Then Santa Anna was rejoicing, 

And said there was nothing more to dread; 
And he gave his soldiers orders 

To burn the rebel dead. 

And when the pyre was ignited 

To burn the heroes that had bled 

The moaning of the winds 

Sa;ng a requiem for the dead. 

The funeral pyre was then enveloped. 

And blazed with a lurid glow. 
As it burned the bodies of the heroes 

That fell at the Alamo. 

"Heap on the fire," they shouted. 

In all their fiendish glee ; 
But the flame that burned the martyrs 

Was the death of tyranny. 

Fannin, he at last surrendered. 

But it seemed all the chance was left ; 

And his men were stood in a solid line 
And cruelly shot to death. 

The Texans then grew desperate, 

And they seemed in an awful plight, 

But the bloody hordes of Santa Anna 
They had determined yet to fight. 

At last Houston, with his little army. 

Charged upon the bloody foe. 
And gained a glorious victory, 

And avenged the Alamo. 



254 Sixty Years in Texas. 

It was at the battle of San Jacinto 
That Santa's army tried to flee, 

But they all were killed or captured, 
And thank God, Texas now is free. 



Geo. Jackson. 



THE LAST DAY OF POMPEII. 

No lowering clouds obscured the sky. 
The sun shone bright and clear, 

And the people were on pleasure bent, 
With no thought of danger near. 

The many places of amusement 
Did attract the happy throng, 

With the dances and the drama, 
And with mirth and merry song. 

In their large and spacious amphitheater 
Great throngs with bated breath 

Looked at men and wild animals, 

As they fought and fell in cruel death. 

But the animals sudenly refuse to fight. 
And there was an uproar in the den. 

And an awful doom seems written 
On the face of frightened men. 

The earth did rock, loud thunder roared. 
And the sky turned black as night, 

And in terror and confusion 

Some escaped by sudden flight. 

Beneath Vesuvius' burning cone 
Old Vulcan stirred the coal. 

And fire and flame and melted lava 
Down the mountain side did roll. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 255 

Vesuvius belched her fiery lava 

Just from the jaws of hell, 
With wreaking flames and stifling smoke, 

And a death-like odorous smell. 

Then loving mothers with their children 
Could no longer get their breath. 

And their dying groans grew fainter, 
Until all were hushed in death. 

The doomed city then was buried 

With all her wealth and pride, 
And the beggar and the nobleman 

Are found lying side by side. 

After eighteen hundred years of silence. 

With no sorrow, care nor strife. 
We resurrect their bodies. 

As natural as in life. 

Geo. Jackson. 

Some historians have said that the day that 
Pompeii was destroyed that it was a gala day, and 
the people were engaged in difl'erent kinds of amuse- 
ment. The great amphitheater was filled, and pris- 
oners were put in the arena and compelled to fight 
with wild beasts. They would plant trees in the 
arena and have lions, tigers and a few boa con- 
strictors turned loose and these prisoners had to 
fight for their lives all for the amusement of the 
spectators — a sport that the old Romans delighted in. 



TO AN OLD FRIEND THAT I HAD NOT SEEN 
FOR OVER FORTY YEARS. 

Dear Tom, we look back o'er the passing years 

The childhood's happy hours, 
But the thief of time has stole those joys ; 

They are no longer ours. 



256 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Time, time, deceptive time. 

Promised youth its sports and pleasures plenty; 
They have passed. 'Tis gone, it's fled away ; 

The treasure house is empty. 

Time brought us on to middle age. 

And promised place and power; 
But ambition and its hollow schemes 

Did vanish hour by hour. 

Time still rolls on, old age is here. 

And wealth and ease we crave; 
But we are moving onward step by step 

In the pathway to the grave. 

And when we reach that dark and silent place. 
Where friends do weep and drop a tear. 

If we have loved our God and fellow man 
There is naught beyond the grave to fear. 

George Jackson. 



THE OLD MAN AND HIS DOG. 

What can we say of friendship. 

And of those we think are true? 
Have they been tried in time of need? 

Do you know they'll stick to you? 

The greatest boon God gives to man 

Is friends in time of need, 
With ready help and sympathy 

To do some righteous deed. 

There are sunshine friends that hover around 
When the sky is clear and bright; 

But in trouble and adversity 

Your own battles you must fight. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 257 

I once had friends I thought were true, 

But they are beneath the sod, 
And there is no one left to comfort me 

But Jack, my faithful dog-. 

And when I pat him on the head 

He seems in ecstasy and glee. 
And says you have a friend, you can depend. 

If you'll only trust to me. 

When we go out to take a walk 

In the garden, field or glen. 
No matter where we ramble, 

I know I have a friend. 

I cannot always trust to men ; 

They sometimes steal and rob; 
But no matter what conditions are, 

I can always trust my dog. 

And he looks so wise and eloquent. 

And such a trusty friend, 
I would rather have his company 

Than any vulgar men. 

Then Jack is a faithful watch dog. 

And guards me while I sleep; 
And in the morning early 

My presence loves to greet. 

If I should scold or threaten Jack, ? ; 

My pardon he would crave. 
And humbly cringe about my feet 

Like a good and faithful slave. 

And if I should die before my dog. 

This faithful friend so brave. 
Will follow to my resting place 

And watch upon my grave. 

George Jackson. 



258 Sixty Years in Texas. 

THE NATURAL MAN ON THE OCEAN OF LIFE. 

On the ocean of life we are sailing, 

But the question is where do we go? 

But the answer comes back like an echo, 
I don't know, no, no; I don't know. 

We strain our eyes and look backward, 
But onward the ship seems to go. 

And we inquire where the first man began sailing, 
And the answer comes back, I don't know, 
no. ; I don't know. 

We still look back for a beginning. 

And inquire why these wonders are so ; 

But the answer comes back like an echo, 
I don't know, no, no ; I don't know. 

We meet great ships in mid-ocean, 
And the cry is, where do you go? 

And the answer comes back like an echo, 
We don't know, no; we don't know. 

Onward our ship keeps moving, 

And we ask if in safety we'll cross. 

But the answer comes back like an echo, 
I am afraid, I am afraid you are lost. 



THE CHRISTIAN MAN. 

Not so with the man of the Bible, 
That Christ has given light ; 

His heart is ever bouyant. 

And the future is looking bright. 

The Christian man that Christ iias freed 
From contention, care and strife. 

Rejoices as he leaves this clay. 
To live a higher life. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 259 

If we will only take God at His word, 

Our faith will be sure to grow, 
And what we do not understand 

Hereafter we shall know. 



THE EXPERIENCE OF A MAN THAT WAS 
ONCE RICH. 

When Fortune smiled and the sky was clear 
And friends were plenty far and near. 

And life seemed real and worth the living. 

And we enjoyed the blessings God was giving; 

When men were honest and women true, 
God seemed to bless then all we knew; 

No widow's wail, no orphan cries; 
This world then seemed a Paradise. 

BUT TIMES HAVE CHANGED. 

This world that once seemed rosy bright 

Is dark and gloomy as the night. 
Riches took wings and flew away, 

And sunshine friends have gone to stay. 

'Tis vain to trust in things below, 

For wealth and friends are sure to go. 

Then look up to Him, be true and brave. 
For Christ our Lord alone can save. 

Geo. Jackson. 



ANCIENT ROME. 

When Rome was in her glory, 
And the world was at her feet. 

And her legions marched to victory 
And her conquest was complete; 



260 Sixty Years in Texas. 

When the Csesars reigned in splendor, 
And would dictate every thing, 

And the nations of the Universe 
Paid tribute to the king ; 

They would mobilize great armies, 
And march their legions out afar, 

And conquer weaker nations. 

And bring back the spoils of war. 

When the army and the legion 

Returned again to Rome 
They were met by all the leading men, 

And welcomed to their home. 

They would form one grand procession. 
With the conquering general set on high, 

And shouts of victory would go up 
That seemed to rend the sky. 

And in this proud procession, 

With glorious pomp and power. 

They would march their prisoners 

Through the streets for many and many 
an hour. 

Then they cast them into filthy dungeons 
With darkness, dirt and gloom. 

With aching hearts and weary limbs 
To await their awful doom. 

Then Rome was in her glory. 

With all her captured treasure ; 

She lived a life of wickedness, 

With rounds and rounds of pleasure. 

They had one enormous amphitheater,* 
With the wild beasts roaring loud, 

As they tore the flesh of captives, 
And amused the wicked crowd. 



*It would seat 80,000. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 261 

And in all this maddening multitude 

That in exultant glee did rave, 
There was not a single eye to pity, 

Nor a single arm to save. 

But Christ, our blessed Saviour, 

The glorious Prince of Peace, 
Has set a new example, 

And His doctrine does increase. 

Then Paul, the great Apostle, 

The glorious news did bring, 
And preached it to the Romans, 

And told it to the king. 

Although he was a prisoner, 

Bound with Roman chains so hard, 

He preached it to the soldiers. 
And explained it to the guard. 

Then the Spirit of our Saviour, 

The glorious Prince of Peace, 
Touched the hearts of many Romans, 

And its power does still increase. 

I hope the time may soon arrive 

When cruel wars shall cease, 
And all shall heed the teaching 

Of the glorious Prince of Peace. 



GOD TEACHES HIS CHILDREN. 

Should we murmur to our Maker, 
With complaining words to God, 

If in sickness or afflictions 

He does not spare the rod? 

Have you obeyed His blessed teachings? 

Do you know the higher life? 
Are you free from vain contention? 

Do you engage in world strife? 



262 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Do you know this world is a training school, 
And that God will certainly teach us right, 

If He has to chasten to prepare us 
For that high and better life. 

If we are the heirs of God the Father 
And the children of His choice, 

We will learn the deeper secret 

That will make our hearts rejoice. 

We often worry, full of care, 

In this struggling, selfish world of strife, 
When God's afflicting hand says, Halt! 

I have a lesson for you to learn in life. 

Our time on earth is very short ; 

This life is but a span 
Compared with endless happiness 

That God has promised faithful man. 

The wisdom of His teaching. 

And the glory of His plan. 
Demands true worship and attention 

By thoughtless, sinful man. 

If we have trials and afflictions 

And hearts all loaded down with care, 

Look to God and ask for mercy, 

And He will all our troubles share. 

Geo. Jackson. 



FOR THE COMING PROHIBITION ELECTION. 

We are living in a grand and awful time, 

If we live and live aright. 
With courage, strength and manhood 

All girded for the fight. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 263 

King Alcohol is reigning, 

And his minions does control, 
And he is bartering off the morals 

Of our people now for gold. 

We call for noble manhood 

To be girded for the fight, 
With courage of convictions 

When they know they are in the right. 

Up and tread beneath your feet 

^ Every cord by party spun ; 
Let your hearts together beat 
As the heart of one. 

Let real estate or stocks or trade 

Let it rise or let it fall; 
Freedom asks your common aid. 

Have courage, manhood, one and all. 

0, for God and duty stand, 

Heart to heart, and hand to hand. 

Around the polls throughout the land. 
And do your duty while you can. 

Hark! the mothers weep. The children cry 
They cringe and run and hide with fear. 

The father comes. He is drunk again; 

His homeward staggering steps they hear. 

The children are often driven out doors, 
And not a friend to take their part; 

And the mother weeps and pines away, 
And dies with a broken heart. 

The attraction of the grand saloon 
And the inducements they employ 

Have ruined many a useful man 

And caught many and many a boy. 



264 Sixty Years in Texas. 

They drink this poisoned liquor 

Until the inner man is filled, 
And all reason has departed, 

And often the best of friends are killed. 

They claim they have the legal right 

This business to uphold. 
And produce the license from the State 

For which they paid the gold. 

And our penitentiaries now are full, 

And our jails do overflow, 
By crimes committed by this curse 

And sanctioned by the law. 

Our legislative bodies 

And the laws they do uphold, 
Have prolonged the withering, blighting curse. 

And money has controlled. 

O, for God and duty stand. 

Heart to heart, and hand to hand. 

Around the polls throughout the land, 
And do your duty while you can. 

Up and tread beneath your feet 
Every cord by party spun; 
• Let your hearts together beat 
As the heart of one. 

Let us speak aloud, in thunder tone. 

And protect our children and our home. 

And dash the monster from his throne. 
And save our country and our home. 

Geo. Jackson. 

(Eight lines quoted from Whittier.) 



Sixty Years in Texas. 265 

THE STORM. 

The sun was shining very warm, 
And all nature semed oppressed ; 

Both man and beast seemed languid 
And seeking shade, and quiet rest. 

Hark! there is a faint and distant rumbling 
That seems to vibrate through the air, 

And the unseen powers of nature 
With force are gathering there. 

The moaning wind begins tg move, 

The clouds prepare to fly. 
And lightnings flash from point to point 

Across the hidden sky. 

The clouds grow dark and darker still, 

Almost as black as darkest night ; 
Then lightnings flash, and thunders roil, 

And the heaven is a blaze of brilliant hght. 

The winds increase, a perfect fury. 
Lightning blaze a constant flash. 

And thunders tumble from the heavens. 
Making such terrific crash. 

The towerings oaks like mighty monarchs 

Rooted deep beneath the sod 
Are wrenched and torn and split to pieces 

By unseen forces of our God. 

The storm has passed, the stars appear. 
And grace and grandeur all things fill ; 

The Lord commands. The winds obey, 
And all is quiet. It's peace, be still. 

The storm of life will soon be over. 
Our feet draw near the chilly tide ; 

Then trust in God to help you over. 
There is peace and joy the other side. 



266 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Shall we doubt the power of God the Father, 
Or His Scripture that has said 

If you'll trust in Me I'll set you free 
And raise your bodies from the dead? 

Geo. Jackson. 



ANCIENT GREECE. 

The mother of imperishable memory, 

Her arts have conquered time. 
Her brilliant beauties shine today 

As when Gree'ce was in her prime. 

The inspired sculptors with their chisels 

The wondrous arts achieved. 
And their statues when completed 

In transcendant beauty ssemed to breathe. 

They err who say that Greece is dead ; 

Her language and her poets, her sculptors 
and her sages 
Are living now and will live on 

Down through the coming ages. 

There is Homer, and Demosthenes, 

With language so sublime ; 
They have been a shining light in every age 

Down to the present time. 

A wave of light and mental energy 

O'er that nation then did roll. 
And her arts, philosophy and learning 

Has spread from pole to pole. 

The Parthenon, the crown of the Acropolis, 

And the glory of the past, 
The art and beauty there displayed 

Has never been surpassed. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 267 

The wondrous art and amazing skill 

For centuries there employed 
The barbarians and the vandals 

In later years destroyed. 

George Jackson. 



IS THIS LIFE WORTH LIVING. 

No, if all our talents and our time 

To the devil we are giving 
Our life will be a failure 

And hardly worth the living. 

Or if this life is all, and death the last, 

With no ho}3e beyond, nor sins forgiven, 

No God to meet, no friends to greet. 

Then this life is a blank, and not worth living. 

The poet has said : 

That hfe is real; life is earnest; 
And the grave is not its goal ; 
That dust though art to dust returneth 
Was not written of the soul. 

Shall our souls be bound to things of earth, 
Amidst sin, deceit and worldly strife, 

When there is a fountain we can reach 
That gives to us eternal life. 

Our mind and thoughts may rise above 

All cares and worldly strife, 
And on eagle's wings may soar aloft 

And taste the bliss of a higher life. 

This life on earth is worth the living 
If we improve God's given time. 

And if we obey His blessed teachings, 
We can make our lives sublime. 



268 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Our souls can rise to heavenly heights 
Above this sin-cursed world of strife 

And work for Him who died for us, 
And live a glorious, happy life. 

Then when time on earth shall be no more 
Our soul shall take its homeward flight, 

And gloom and fear shall be dispelled 
By a brilliant flame of heavenly light. 



The poet has described the passing from this 
world into the next in the following lines : 

What is this absorbs me quite. 
It steals my senses, shuts my sight. 
Drowns my spirit, draws my breath, 
Tell me, my soul, can this be death. 
Cease, fond Nature, cease thy strife. 
And let me languish into life. 



LOVE AND KINDNESS. 

When man was first created 
By the power of God above, 

The strongest passion that He planted 
In the heart of man, was love. 

The youth that loves the maiden 
Or the men that love their wives 

When in danger or in trouble 

Will protect them with their lives. 

Kind parents love their children. 

And their battles they will fight; 
And the children love the parents 

If the parents treat them right. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 269 

Our hearts go out to near of kin 

When in sickness, pain or sorrow; 

But our love when measured by God's Word 
Is weak and small and narrow. 

Men engage in strife and cruel war, 
And sink to murderous depths of sin ; 

But Christ commands to rule by love. 
For all the world of man are kin. 

We love to greet the smiling face. 

And happy, loving words we crave; 

It cheers the heart, and does more good 

Than wreaths of flowers upon our grave. 

Bad habits grow and cling to men 

And bind them like a fetter; 
They fret and fume and fuss around, 

When kindness would be better. 

You parents should be pleasant 

And kind in all your ways. 
And when your child deserves it 

Be sure and give him praise. 

The aged, with silver locks and tottering steps, 

Where once they firmly trod. 
Be kind to them, in word and deed 

With love that's born of God. 

Their wrinkled face and trembling limbs 

And aching heart does crave 
A word of cheer and kindness now. 

Not flowers upon their grave. 

Father Time is swiftly passing, 

And no stop will he allow ; 
Then if you have some words of comfort, 

Be kind, dear friend, and tell us now. 



270 Sixty Years in Texas. 

I often think of Robert Burns,* 

The genius and the poet, 
That almost starved in Scotland, 

And no one cared or seemed to know it. 

But now they worship at his shrine. 

And of his genius prate. 
And the help and kindness he deserved 

At last has come too late. 

Soon the death knell of time shall sound the note 

And liberate this slave. 
Then give me words of kindness now — 

Not flowers upon my grave. 

I do not write these lines to condemn the beauti- 
ful custom of placing flowers on the graves of our 
dear, departed friends, but rather to impress the 
readers to be kind to the living and throw them a 
few bouquets while they yet live. 

Geo. Jackson. 



*Robert Burns was threatened with imprison- 
ment for a small debt of $25.00, and was in very 
embarrassing circumstances and lived in a miserable 
little house in Dumfrees, Scotland, while he wrote 
the poems that have immortalized him and 
when so oppressed he sold his best book of poems for 
the pitiful sum of $45.00. A fac-similie of his house 
and the furniture was exhibited at the World's Fair, 
St. Louis. Since his death monuments have been 
raised to his memory in most of the cities of Scot- 
land. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 271 

THE PARK AT COLORADO SPRINGS. 

My home is down in Texas, 

In the garden of the Lord, 
Where golden grain and luscious fruit 

Is the farmer's rich reward. 

I love that land of freedom, 

Where men are honest, brave and true, 
And have not worshipped Mammon 

As some others seem to do. 

But when summer time comes pressing on, 

And the sun gets blazing hot, 
I know a most delightful place, 

A cool and charming spot. 

It's up in Colorado, 

Near Pike's Historic Peak, 
Where the mountains rise in grandeur. 

And the winds their revels keep. 

The trees are large and uniform. 

And stand straight in many a row; 

And the sparkling waters at the fount 
Are just from the melting snow. 

It's there we meet congenial friends. 

And talk of many things. 
In that pleasant and delightful Park 

At Colorado Springs. 

The seats are free, and easy. 

And sweet music in the air ; 
And we pass the fleeting moments 

Forgetting every care. 

Then all hail to General Palmer, 

The founder of the town, 
I love to sing his praises 

From Texas all around. 



272 Sixty Years in Texas. 

All hail to General Palmer, 

For these Colorado parks. 

He has been a public blessing 

And completely won our hearts. 

Geo. Jackson. 
Written in Colorado Springs. 



ISAIAH'S PROPHECY. 

The wondrous vision of Isaiah, 

When he looked down the stretch of time 
And saw our blessed Saviour 

And beheld the awful crime. 

He saw the King of Glory when by Pilate He 
was tried, 
And he saw the wicked priests when with 
hate and rage they cried, 
"There is no king but Caesar, 
And He must be crucified !" 

He saw the wicked, railing mob 

That nailed Him to the tree. 
And saw Him give his precious life 

For sinful men like you and me. 

He saw our humble Saviour, 

The Man of Galilee, 
While spat upon and cruelly scourged. 

And died upon the tree. 

He saw Him there between the thieves. 
When they cruelly pierced His side ; 

And heard His last expiring word, 
"It is finished!" then He died. 

He saw Him laid in the silent tomb, 

A short time to remain. 
When He broke the bands of death and the grave, 

And in triumph arose again. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 273 

O Lord above, Lord of love, 

May the vision of my soul be bright. 

That I may see Thy wondrous power 

In every bud and every tree and every open- 
ing flower! 

George Jackson. 



A MIDNIGHT DREAM 

I dreamed a dream the other night, 
While pressed beneath my quilts ; 

I dreamed I saw our City Dads 
All walking around on stilts. 

Hay, he walked a Shanghai pair, 

And "Forv/ard" was his cry, 
"I'll navigate these Dallas streets 

Or every man shall die." 

At length they reached the mud on Bryan street. 
They all thought was the worse. 

And they stopped and called a Council, 
But some began to curse. 

When Sulhvan made a motion 

From his place of elevation. 
And swore he'd pave the swamps of Main street 

Or burst the corporation. 

Then on the handsome face of Mr. Seay 

The troubled look increased, 
And he said "Something must be quickly done. 

Or I shall lose all my best police." 

Then Father Doran's troubled face 

Turned almost as white as chalk. 
And he straightened high upon his perch 

And we thought he was going to talk ; 



274 Sixty Years in Texas. 

But he hemmed and hawed 

And coughed and sneeed, 
Then said, "Look yonder, boys. 

The Elks do come in mud above their knees." 

Then Charlie sighed and gave a groan, 
And his heart did fairly throb, 

And he said, "Lord have mercy on our souls. 
We have tackled an av/ful job." 

Then the asphalt men with their smoothing irons 

Appeared upon the scene; 
And they all fell in those awful holes 

And awoke me from my dream. 

Notwithstanding this awful dream, I have an 
abiding confidence in the Commission and Mayor 
Hay, and believe he, with the help of the Commission, 
will prove to be the Moses that is to lead us up out 
of the wilderness of mud and mire and plant our 
feet on solid pavement. All they want is cash, con- 
fidence and co-operation, and a little time. 

Father Doran now is active. 

And with his large force he stirs 

And it means good streets for Dallas 
And he will surely win his spurs. 

Geo. Jackson, Patient Citizen on Bryan Street. 

Written December 15th, 107, when the mud was 
very deep on Bryan street. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 275 

OUR LITTLE GIRL. 

Our darling, lovely little girl 

That has come to give us joy, 
With dimpled cheek and golden hair, 

Our bright-eyed, blue-eyed little Foy. 

She grows so fast and looks so bright, 

And acts so very smart ; 
Her golden hair and tiny arms 

Are twined about our heart. 

Our home was made so happy. 

And life's blessings we enjoy. 
With this priceless treasure in our hearts, 

Our bright-eyed, blue-eyed little Foy. 

The cords of love that are so strong 

Has bound her to our heart. 
And it was a sad and awful day 

When we did have to part. 

But the angel of death in a pityless flight 

Passed over our happy home. 
And the treasure we loved was called away, 

And we are left to mourn alone. 

If God's judgment then is always right 

We must put our trust in Him ; 
If He takes the treasures of our heart 

Before they know of sin. 

May Heaven open wide her golden portals. 
And swing the pearly gates afar. 

And hail the coming with glad tidings 
Of our bright-eyed, blue-eyed little Foy. 

George Jackson. 



276 Sixty Years in Texas. 

SCOTLAND. 

Of all the different nationalities 

That in this land have cast their lot, 

I love best to sing the praises 
Of the brave and bonnie Scot. 

The land of Bruce and Wallace 

And the men that knew no fear, 

That kept the Britons from their heather 
For many a hundred year. 

Bruce was hunted by the English 
And excommunicated by the Pope, 

But his soul was never conquered, 
And he never gave up hope. 

Brave Bruce, he led at Bannockburn, 

That fearless Scottish clan. 
And in dismay the hordes of England 

Were driven from their land. 

And Wallace cannot be destroyed — 

You may cut and burn the body and do just 
what you will;* 

He stood for a great immortal truth, * 
And his soul is with us still. 

Then Robert Burns, the plow boy. 

His genius I do admire. 
He puts my heart to thinking, 

And my soul he sets on fire. 

He said, *'Gie me a spark of nature's fire, 

That's the learning I desire ; 
Then tho' I drudge thro' dub and mire 

At plow or cart. 
My muse tho homely in attire. 

May touch the heart." 



*These beautiful and touching lines were written 
when he was so oppressed by his creditors. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 277 

And he has touched the heart of miUions 

In his sad and short career, 
And thousands visit at his grave 

In every coming year.* 

His simple verses touched the heart 

And his nature so inchned, 
And he wrote the never dying song 

Of the days of Auld Lang Syne. 



ROBERT AND MARY. 

With Bible in hand by the running streamt 
They pledged their vows so fairly, 

But death stepped in with a cruel hand, 
And took his Highland Mary. 

The Bible now can yet be seen 

In his monument at Ayr, 
And on a faded page his autograph 

Beneath a tress of Mary's hair. 

His lines are sad and beautiful 

That he wrote by the running stream, 

And have touched the hearts of many, 
And very sad they seem. 



*30,000 annually. 

tAccording to the solemn custom of the country, 
the lovers when exchanging their vows of everlasting 
faithfulness stood beside a stream of running water, 
emblem of eternity, and holding a Bible between 
them, pledged love and loyalty forever. They never 
met again. Mary died soon after. 



278 Sixty Years in Texas. 

"Ye banks and braes o' Bonnie Doon, 

How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?* 
How can ye chant, ye httle birds, 
And I sae weary, fu' o' care!" 

And Walter Scott, the poet 

And novelist so grand. 
With such transcendant genius 

He has immortalized that land. 

The great magician with his magic pen 

Our interest does awake, 
With Loch Katrine and the Silver Strans, 

And the Lady of the Lake. 

Geo. Jackson. 



IRELAND. 



When I think of dear old Ireland 
My heart is sore distressed, 

Her noble sons in poverty 

And by England so oppressed. 

When in olden times the English 
To heathen gods were turning. 

Old Ireland was a Christian land 

And the seat of piety and learning. 

Her missionaries were sent out. 
And went from place to place, 

And preached the Gospel to the people 
Of the Anglo-Saxon race. 



*Wallace was betrayed and suffered a horrible 
death at London. His head was cut off and placed on 
a pole on London bridge ; his right arm displayed at 
Newcastle, his left arm at Berwick ; one leg was sent 
to Perth, the other to the town of Aberdeen; the 
other parts of the body was burned. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 279 

The disciples of Columbia and St. Patrick/'^ 

From Tara's hill did start 
To the heathen shores of Briton 

Their knowledge to impart. 

There were hundreds of monasteries, 

And churches many and many a score, 

That were founded by these noble men 
On England's heathen shore. 

There were schools and colleges then in Ireland, 

And some of them were free. 
That drew their students from England and 
from Scotland, 

And some from Germany. 

But the Danes and Scandinavians 

Did invade old Erin's shore 
With murder and destruction, 

For two hundred years or more. 

But Erin's sons did ne'er give up. 

Although much precious blood was spilled, 

But they fought and fought and fought again. 
Until every Dane was killed. 

But old Ireland then was crippled. 
And her wealth was all destroyed. 

And she was deprived of many blessing 
That she had so long enjoyed. 



*Saint Patrick and twelve of his disciples visited 
the Pagan King at Tara, dressed in white robes, and 
they carried crosses, and made such an impression 
on the King and his ministers that the King granted 
them permission to preach the gospel, and later 
Columbia and his disciples crossed over to Scotland, 
and they founded in Scotland, England and Ger- 
many one hundred and sixty-four monasteries. 



280 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Then old England with her armies 

That country did invade, 
With fire and sword on every side, 

And many a prisoner made. 

Seven centuries now have passed and gone, 
But Ireland is still oppressed. 

Will England never see her faults 
And at last make some redress? 

Daniel O'Connell, Burke and Gratten, 

That long ago have died. 
In eloquence plead for justice, 

But it always was denied. 

The Irish heart is generous 

And always brave and strong. 

And will ever yield to kindness 
And with scorn resent a wrong. 

And her soldiers in the British rank 

Are always brave and true. 
And her generals always lead the way. 

And they are Irish, too. 

The greatest battle ever fought 

Was that of Waterloo, 
With the Duke of Wellington in command, 

And he was Irish, too. 

Lord Kitchener commands in Egypt, 
And to England is ever true. 

And justice is his watchword. 
And he is Irish, too. 

There is Lord Roberts, White and Wolsley, 

And others not a few, 
That have led the British arms to victory— 

And they all are Irish, too. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 281 

Old England now has power supreme, 
And is praised in song and story; 

But she is indebted to old Ireland 
For more than half her glory. 

The harp- that once through Tara's halls 

The soul of music shed 
Now hangs as mute on Tara's walls 

As if that soul were fled. 

No more chiefs and ladies bright 

The harp of Tara swells. 
The chord alone that breaks at night 

Its tale of ruin tells. 

The above two verses are the touching lines of 
Tom Moore. 



TO FRANK PERRY. 

In the long, long ago, 
The old school-house on Patties Branch, 

The place we used to go. 
When our hearts were light, 
And our hopes Vv'ere bright. 

Just fifty years ago? 

Our teacher, Frank, has died since then ; 

He was so good and true ; 
But his soul is gone to live with God, 

And few are left but me and you. 

They were joyous times, dear Frank, 

And my memory loves to go 
To that old school house on Patties Branch, 

Just fifty years ago. 



282 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The sparkling water chrystal clear, 
From the fountain head did flow, 

A winding, rippling, merry stream, 
Into the larger branch below. 

But now, dear Frank, the branch is dry, 

I don't know why it's so ; 
And the fountain head is not so clear 

As it was in the long ago. 

Dear Frank, I well remember 

The names of every girl and boy. 

And the games we played upon the green, 
And those we did enjoy. 

But most of them are gone, dear Frank, 

A few are left, we know. 
That played with us on Patties Branch, 

Just fifty years ago. 

'Twas then the blue-back speller 
Vv''as the greatest book in school, 

And we used to spell quite often. 
Because it was the rule. 

We stood up in our classes 

Upon the puncheon floor 
And spelled and spelled and spelled 

Almost forever more. 

But most of them are gone, dear Frank, 

But few are left, we know 
That spelled with us at the old school-house 

Just fifty years ago. 

Then we had the spelling match. 

With a chief on either side 
To make the best selections. 

For in that they took a pride. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 283 

And then the spelhng would begin, 

And the words go around and around, 

And everybody had a chance 
To spell the others down. 

But most of them are gone, dear Frank, 

A few are left we know 
That spelled with us at the old school-house 

Just fifty years ago. 

But now, dear Frank, the time does fly, 

And the winters come and go; 
But we've been blessed by the God above, 

From whom all blessings flow. 

And when the march of time has passed. 

And we are called upon, 
May we meet our friends in the field of bliss, 

In the unknown world beyond ! 

Yes, the time is coming quickly 

When we both will have to go. 
Hoping for a grand reunion 

With those of fifty years ago. 

Geo. Jackson. 

Mr. Frank Perry was the last man left in the 
old neighborhood that went to school with me in 
the old log cabin, and he has since died. 



284 Sixty Years in Texas. 

The Neglected Boys of Dallas 

I am glad that the cry of the neglected boys of 
Dallas is beginning to sound in the ears and touch 
the hearts of the Christian people of the city. They 
have been neglected too long, entirely too long and I 
was delighted when the Club Ladies of Dallas took 
the matter up, and I believe they have struck the 
key-note, and I beheve the neglected children of 
Dallas will be better cared for in the future ; and I 
hope every good citizen and tax payer will encourage 
and help them in this laudable enterprise. I be- 
lieve the money invested in this undertaking, looked 
at from a financial standpoint, will be a good in- 
vestment. Most of our criminals come from this ele- 
ment. I was driving down East Elm street towards 
the main part of the city ten or tvv^elve years ago, 
and I saw in front of me and near a saloon a crowd 
of men, and as I drew near I saw two boys fighting, 
and some of the men were hurrahing for one and 
some for the other. The boys appeared to be about 
ten or twelve years old. I jumped out of my buggy, 
leaving my horse standing in the street, and after 
some difficulty I succedeed in parting them. One had 
got the other down. They were both in a raging pas- 
sion, and one swore he would kill the other, and as 
I pulled them apart he kept saying, "I'll kill him. 
I'll kill him." 

After I had them safely parted I told the crowd 
they ought to be ashamed of themselves for urging 
and encouraging the boys in the fight. I then got 
in my buggy and left them, and I began to think of 
the environments and the low moral standard that 
was educating and forming the character of those 
boys, and I talked with several about the conditions, 
but nothing was done except through our mission 
schools. I did for many years gather up children 



Sixty Years in Texas. 285 

and take them in my carriage to the evening mission 
school, and hope there might have been some good 
done; but I am of the opinion that something dif- 
ferent from what our churches and missions are 
doing will have to be done to reach the neglected 
boys. It is hard to get them into the missions, and 
our fine churches are entirely too respectable to 
reach this class. If we succeed in getting one into 
the mission it is only for an hour once a week. It is 
true even that might be a great help to him. I am 
of the opinion that we should have some organization 
or some means of securing the friendship of these 
boys. If we can only make them believe we are their 
friends we may find a soft place in their hearts, and 
when in that condition they can be instructed and 
may receive lasting impression for good. 

Many of these boys may have parents that are 
cross, crabbed and cruel, and the boy may never have 
had a kind word at home, not a word to encourage 
him in the right Vv^ay, and the boy is virtually driven 
out in the streets, and there he gets his education. I 
think such boys are no better off than the orphans. 
I hope the people of Dallas will hold up the hands 
of these good women that have undertaken this good 
work, and when tag day comes around again respond 
to their demands liberally. 



FOR TAG DAY. 



'Tis said we live in a Christian age. 

With modern church and school 
And we also have the modern club. 

With officers to rule ;, 
We have clubs for women, and clubs for men. 

And clubdom we enjoy — 
But I'll ask tonight. Have you done right 

With the poor and friendless boy? 



286 Sixty Years in Texas. 

We also have the modern smoker, 
And cigars they puff and smoke, 

And tell the witty story. 

And crack the modern joke. 

It's the thing they seem to fancy, 
And the life they do enjoy ; 

But ask your souls tonight. Have you done right 
With the poor and friendless boy? 

We also have the modern drinking place, 

The gilded, grand saloon, 
Where tipplers meet and talk and drink 
At morning, night and noon ; 
We have the mixed and modern drink 

That the fathers so enjoy. 
But ask your souls tonight. Have you done right 

By the poor and friendless boy? 

We have the costly modern church. 

With steeples towering high, 
with costly windows, colored paints, 
And all the pictures of the saints, 

And modern sermons to enjoy — 
What have you paid, what have you done, 

To help the poor and friendless boy- 
His little feet are on the street, 

And it is the devil's plan 
To lead to'sin and every crime. 

And make a worthless, wicked man. 
Then listen, hark ! The mothers' call, 
Be up and doing, one and all; 
Then in after life it will be a joy 
Dear Frank, do you remember 
To know you helped the friendless boy. 

George Jackson. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 287 

Tag day was celebrated February 29, 1908, by the 
Club Ladies of Dallas, for the purpose of raising 
money for the neglected children of Dallas by selling 
a tag to every passing gentleman on the streets, and 
over $4,000 was raised. This will be made an annual 
event. 



Diary of Trip to England after 
an absence of 56 years 

Dallas, Texas, June 1, 1894. 

The first part of this diary may not interest the 
public, as it speaks of names and places familiar 
only to my ovv^n people ; but further on in the diary 
it speaks of historic places and names that will be 
of interest to almost every reader. 

I bade my home folks good bye and took the Katy 
Flyer. The first day I went to Waggoner, and stayed 
the night with my brother, Capt. William Jackson. 
They had a reception that night, and the place was 
lit up with electric lights and a band of music play- 
ing. 

Second day I stopped over with him. 

The 3rd of June I boarded the train for St. Louis, 
but stopped over at Nevada. The Marmaton and 
the Osage Rivers were very high, and the washouts 
detained us so long the passengers became acquaint- 
ed. At the Marmaton River we were detained half a 
day. We employed a negro with a banjo, and he 
played for us, and we passed off the time very well, 
and when we reached the Big Osage River it was 
very high. We went a mile or so in the water, and 
crossed the main stream, but came to a washout and 
had to back out and go around by Kansas City. 

We did not reach St. Louis until the evening of 
the sixth day. I did not leave St. Louis until the 



288 Sixty Years in Texas. 

evening of the ninth day. I visited the Fair and 
enclosure of the FiKpinos, fenced with bamboo cane, 
and there were a great many ladies and gentlemen 
there with their cameras taking snap shots at the 
groups of almost naked Filipinos. The principal 
attraction was the tribe of dog eaters. One Filipino 
was seen beating on a pan, and another sharpening 
a large knife, and the third one brought in a dog. 
One held him_ by the head, the other by the hind legs, 
and the third party cut off his head, and the ladies 
were taking their pictures v/ith their cameras. Uncle 
Sam has quite a job to convert these Filipinos into 
good and useful citizens. 

I left St. Louis on the evening of the 9th. Crossed 
over into Canada at Detroit. A very beautiful river 
is the Detroit River. We went by way of Niagara 
Falls, and reached New York the 11th day of June. 
I put up at the Abingdon Hotel, and took in the 
town ; rode about fifty miles that day, over Brook- 
lyn and New York, on the elevated cars. I went fif- 
teen miles in one direction, but did not get out of 
town. Saw a great many strangers, and they did 
not seem to knovN^ much about the city. I went to 
Coney Island, about fifteen miles from the Hotel at 
which I was stopping. I did not know what the 
place vv'as until I got there, and there seemed to be 
as many people there as I had seen at the World's 
Fair; and every kind of a show and all kinds of 
amusements, but I did not care to take them in. 

Twelfth day, Sunday, I went to the Plymouth 
Church in the morning, to hear the great Scotch 
preacher, McNeill — a large congregation and a good 
sermon. The text was "Work and hope and patient- 
ly wait for the Salvation of the Lord." I returned 
to the hotel, and in the afternoon went to the famous 
Flat Iron Building, and there took an auto with fif- 
teen others. The machine was owned by the Sight- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 289 

Seeing Company; the seats were very elevated, and 
there was room for 25 people; we had a nice com- 
pany. The guide stood in front, with his face to- 
wards the company, and spoke through a trumpet 
and gave us a short history of the noted places ; also 
gave us the names of the owners of the fine mansions 
as we passed along, and the cost of the buiMings ; 
he would speak of nothing that cost less than a 
million (and from that to ten millions), unless it 
had some historic significance. He spoke of the 
Goulds, the Vanderbilts, the Astors, Rockefelbrs, 
and very many others, and showed us what they 
had done. We rode through Central Park, to River- 
side and saw Grant's Monument, and we could get 
a good view of the Hudson River on the right and 
some nice scenery beyond ; many boats sailing hither 
and thither; and on the left magnificent mansions, 
and again, on my right, the bank was lined with 
well-dressed people; some seated on nice seats that 
are provided by the city, and others promenading, 
and all seemed to be enjoying themselves, looking 
at the beautiful sights there to be seen. It is a very 
broad avenue, and several lines of nice shade trees 
through the center, and a great many motors, lan- 
dau and fine carriage turn-outs could be seen; and 
as I looked at this great sight I thought the Amer- 
icans were a great and happy people, and New York 
a wonderful place. 

Thirteenth day: Remained at the hotel most 
of the day, and got rather lonesome and went out to 
buy a book; had to go eight or ten blocks before I 
found a book store, but found a saloon on almost 
every corner. I went on board ship that evening. 
The Kaiser Wilhelm the H. is a very large boat, and 
a very fine one; 40,000 horse power, and consumes 
600 tons of coal per day, taking 75 men to put it on 



290 Sixty Years in Texas. 

the fire places, there being 124 fire places. I had a 
very good bed and slept well. 

Fourteenth day: I was on deck early, in timj 
to see the ship sail. It was a great sight to see, as 
we left the shore, with its 2000 passengers waving 
their white handkerchiefs, and the great multitude 
on shore waving theirs in return and bidding us a 
last farewell. We steamed out of New York harbor 
into the bay, and passed the Statue of Liberty and 
New York, with her sky-scraping buildings, faded 
away in the distance, and our great ship glided 
through the deep waters at a rate of 23 miles an 
hour. It was then three o'clock and we had had 
three meals already that day. Later the bell rang 
for the fourth, and there was a concert in the great 
dining room at night, the Germans being great lov- 
ers of music. 

Fifteenth day : And the great ship is plowing 
through the broad ocean at a rapid rate, and leaving 
a white stream of foam behind, that looked like a 
broad avenue as far back as we could see. But many 
of the passengers were feeling bad and some were 
trying to vomit. Two of my room mates were sick 
and my head v>'as whirling around; up to that time 
I had kept m.y stomach but lost my appetite. 

Sixteenth day: I was sick all day, but the sea 
was quiet, and scarcely a ripple on the surface of 
the deep. We overtook an American war ship ; some 
said it was the Missouri. We also saw a whale, and 
that was all the excitement the passengers had that 
day. Some seemed to be enjoying themselves, while 
others were holding to the railing, with a curve on 
their bodies, and seemed to be in awful agony. I don't 
know what we would have done if the sea had gotten 
rough. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 291 

Seventeenth day: The weather was perfectly 
beautiful; there was scarcely a ripple on the bosom 
of the great deep. I felt a little better, but my 
stomach was not very strong. I ate no supper, and 
no breakfast that mroning, and I felt that I did not 
want any dinner. I called for a cup of tea and some 
crackers, and thought I would try the deck where I 
could get a breeze. 

Eighteenth day : We caught up with and passed 
several ships, but nothing strange happened that 
day. We had beautiful weather ; made 564 miles and 
beat the world's record. 

Nineteenth day : Weather was fine, and we Vv^ere 
rapidly plowing along, passing other ships and leav- 
ing them in the rear, with a number of them in 
sight. We were now nearing the Land's End, and 
could see the lights. All were on deck looking wtih 
as much interest as did the crew of Columbus when 
they discovered America. At midnight the lights of 
Plymouth were all ablaze in front of us. The ship 
stopped for nearly an hour, when we saw a boat 
coming and were transferred to it, three or four 
hundred of us. Those who remained on the ship — 
principally Germans — were all on deck. They had 
been drinking beer most of the night and were feel- 
ing good. They bade us a hearty farewell, shouting, 
singing and waving their handkerchiefs. 

The twentieth day was beginning to dawn ; we 
landed and our baggage vv^as inspected. Before my 
train left I took a little stroll to look around Ply- 
mouth. It was a very beautiful place, with splendid 
sidewalks, clean streets and very substantial build- 
ings, of uniform height, three stories. The place 
known as "The Hoe" was a beautiful place and over- 
looked the city; there was some delightful scenery 
in view. I took a train for Lustleigh and was soon 



292 Sixty Years in Texas. 

going at great speed through beautiful Devonshire, 
passing numerous fields, from 1 to 5 acres in size, 
mostly in clover and fine grass. Some of the fields 
had sheep in them that had recently lost their coats ; 
other fields had fine, fat, lazy-looking cattle, in clover 
knee deep; other fields were in cultivation. These 
fields Vv^ere all enclosed with hedges, with nice shrub- 
bery growing on top and beautiful wild flowers on 
the sides. Sometimes we would dash into a forest 
almost like the jungles of Africa, and the next mo- 
ment we could see delightful and attractive scenery. 
I arrived at Lustleigh and was met at the station by 
Mrs. Amery, my cousin, Mrs. Dodd's daughter. They 
had a very comfortable place and made me feel at 
home. 

Twenty-first day : I visited our old home. I 
hired a trap, and Mrs. Dodd, my cousin, and I went 
to Blackenstone Rock, and I made my way to the top 
of it. The steep part had stone steps and iron rail- 
ing. I looked with pleasure at the beautiful scenes; 
the hills and valleys of old Devonshire seemed to be 
at their best. I was charmed with the view from 
every quarter, and was ready to exclaim in the lan- 
guage of the poet : 

"How dear to my heart are the scenes of my 
childhood, 
As fond recollections present them to view ; 
The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled 
wildvv^ood. 
And all the loved spots that my infancy knew." 

We went to Moreton and I went through the 
White Hart Inn, and went to Wray Barton, where 
I was born and my father and my grandfather and 
my great-grandfather were buried from that place 
July 4, 1804, and Barn Court. We had a very pleas- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 293 

ant drive and an enjoyable time. Everyone seemed 
to be very kind and courteous. 

Twenty-second day: Went to Newton Market 
and saw some fine stock, sheep and cattle, sold at 
auction ; sheep ten to eleven dollars per head ; one 
coM^ and calf sold for about ninetj^-five dollars; an- 
other for one hundred and thirty. I went home with 
Cousin Jasper Amery to Ippelpain, and stayed one 
night with him. 

Twenty-third day : Went to Teignmouth and 
stayed with John Furneaux a few days ; he had a 
suite of rooms rented, and some of his wife's people 
were with him. He was in a beautiful place near 
the beach, and made me feel at home. 

Twenty-fourth day : Went to Buckfastleigh and 
went through the woolen mills of Hamlins and Fur- 
neaux and saw the many processes, from the dirty 
wool just off the sheep's back, to the fine cloth suit- 
able for ladies' dresses and dress suits for gentlemen. 
We took dinner with Mr. Joe Hamlyn, at his splen- 
did mansion, and after dinner he furnished us with 
a carriage and driver and we went to the old home 
of the Furneaux, where they were born and have 
lived for four generations and probably longer ; they 
have the records for that, and the old house may 
stand many years longer. Near it stands a fine man- 
sion with beautiful grounds, the home of Wm. Ham- 
lyn. We went to the old established church, which 
was built many hundreds of years ago ; there was a 
large sepulchre there with the name of R. Cabell, the 
Lord of the Manor at that time, date 1656, and I 
wondered if our General descended from that stock. 
We looked at many places that were very ancient and 
returned to Teignmouth. 

Twenty-fifth day: I remained at the hotel all 



294 Sixty Years in Texas. 

morning, and in the evening took a boat ride on 
the River Teign w^ith Mr. John Furneaux and Mr. 
Toop. We went up the river with the rising tide and 
came back with the outgoing tide. 

Twenty-sixth, Sunday : Went to the Congrega- 
tional Church in the morning and the Baptist in 
the evening, and went to two open air services. 

Twenty-seventh day : Went to Newton Abbott in 
the morning with Mr. Toop and daughter, and went 
with a coaching party in the evening, leaving New- 
ton at 12 o'clock. We had twelve in the party, on3 
lady from St. Louis, and our driver with four-in- 
hand, and our footman blowing his horn. A jolly 
party left Newton for a trip over the Moor. We pass- 
ed beautiful gardens and fields, and fine mansions, 
and many less pretentious houses nestled away 
among the hills, surrounded by beautiful flower gar- 
dens, and I certainly think that that country de- 
serves the name of the Flowery Kingdom. We soon 
reached Haytor and stopped for an hour and fifteen 
minutes, and most of us with some difficulty ascend- 
ed the Haytor Rock, where we could see for many 
miles around. It was a beautiful scene, the like I 
never expect to see again after I leave Devonshire. 
We took our lunch here, which our sharp appetites 
relished. Our coach was ready, and v\^ith step-ladder 
our party ascended to their elevated positions, and 
off we drove with horn blowing across the moor, and 
down zig-zag lanes, into deep gorges, passing stone 
houses covered with thatch. Soon we reached the 
River Dart and crossed over an ancient stone bridge, 
and for its appearance I think it will be standing a 
thousand years hence. We stopped at a beautiful 
little cottage home and took tea, bread, butter and 
cake, with Devonshire Cream, that all seemed to en- 
joy. We again ascended our lofty perch and drove 



Sixty Years in Texas. 295 

for the ancient town of Ashburton, and stopped at 
the Golden Lion Family Hotel, and the landlady 
showed us through the garden. I will not attempt to 
describe it, but she said it was just as it was laid off 
one hundred and fifty years ago, and that the house 
was much older, and as English people always deal 
in facts, I took it for granted that it was all so. She 
said she had pictures and sketches of the garden with 
dates back to the time mentioned. We then drove 
for Newton Abbot, and passed through the town 
with horn blowing ; stopped in front of the hotel, and 
our drive was over, and I bid my London friends 
good-bye. They gave me their address and invited 
me to come and see them when I reached London. 
This was one of the most enjoyable days I had on 
the trip. 

Twenty-eighth day: I went to Blackenstone 
again and went to Vv^here the old house stood. It was 
pulled down about two years ago, but the barn and 
garden walls seemed to be just as they were when 
we left them, but it looked like an old, deserted 
place, and it made me feel sad when I thought of my 
parents' struggles here on this poor farm, trying to 
make a living, vv^hen Fate seemed to be against them. 
But I think it was all for the best, as we found a 
country with better opportunities, and the family 
and their descendants have profited by the change, 
and again I will say, "It was all for the best." I re- 
turned to Morton and put up at the White Hart 
Hotel. The old place is kept very well by the grand- 
daughter of a Mr. Peters, who lived across the street 
from us in our time. I went to the old Unitarian 
Church and had the sexton to let me in, and there 
found the graves of my forefathers. My great-grand- 
father, buried 1804, age 78 years; grandfather died 
1854, age 87 years — both named Geo. Jackson. I had 
the gravestones cleaned up and the lettering repaint- 



296 Sixty Years in Texas. 

ed, and had some photos taken of them; also of the 
old church, which was built in 1802. I also went to 
the Church of England, which is very ancient, but 
no one seemed to know its age, but thought it was 
built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Saw manj^ 
familiar names on the grave stones, some as far back 
as the 16th century. Saw the property in Morton 
once owned by our grandfather; one of the old 
houses, the one our grandfather lived in, had been 
torn down, and a nevv^ one built in its place. But the 
other is still standing, with all the outhouses, still 
covered with thatch. The property is now owned by 
a Mr. Hewitt, a very old man, and he said he bought 
it from a George Jackson of Ireland thirty-five or 
forty years ago. The place descended to his oldest 
son, George Jackson, my uncle. 

Twenty-ninth day : I was at Mr. Dadd's, my 
cousin; they were very kind to me and tried to make 
me feel at home. 

Thirtieth day: We all went to Brixham on th^i 
11 o'clock train. We arrived at our Uncle George'r. 
old place, a very cozy little place enclosed with high 
walls, about three acres of it; they have thirteen 
acres in all and almost every kind of fruit that grows 
in England. They have an abundance ; all the trees 
and bushes are loaded with it, and it was a grej..c 
surprise to me how so much could be grown on so 
small a piece of ground. There I met Aunt Ann 
Amery, a very remarkable woman, aged 82 year.;. 
Her erect form and firm and steady step, and clear 
mind and smiling countenance, which has grown 
beautiful with age, made a deep and lasting impres- 
sion on my mind. She is one of those happy Chris- 
tians whose life has been a blessing to others and I 
am sure that Vv^hen she passes over the River it will 
be with a radiant smile upon her happy face. I spent 
a pleasant day with them. 



Sixty Years in Texas. 297 

July 1st: I bid my dear friends good-bye, and 
the grand-daughter, Susan Ann, went with me to 
the station. She is a very'sensible and business girl, 
who is soon to be married to a young man from 
London. I bid her goodbye at the station, wishing 
her much happiness and long life, and boarded the 
train for Torquay and went to Geneva Cottage, to 
see the Misses Henlys, relatives of the Morgans of 
Dallas, who are very interesting and business wom- 
en ; one of them showed me over a good part of Tor- 
quay, which is a very beautiful place, said to be the 
garden spot of England. Torquay is a city of about 
40,000 people and noted for its delightful scenery, 
and its bracing, healthy sea-breezes. I was delighted 
with the place. I put up at a hotel, and the next day 
engaged a seat with a coaching party; there were 
twenty-one of us, including the footman and coach- 
man. We drove out of Torquay by way of the beach 
and all of them seemed to be delighted with the beau- 
tiful scenes, and our comical little footman, a little 
more than four feet high, with a tall, white hat and 
a horn nearly as long as himself, made fun for the 
company. We had a pleasant ride and a delightful 
time, taking tea, bread and butter, cake and Devon- 
shire Cream at half-past five, and again driving into 
Torquay a little after six o'clock, I took a train for 
Lustleigh and went to the Kelly farm to see the home 
folks. 

Sunday, July 3rd : Went to the Episcopal Church 
in the morning; the services consisted of responsive 
reading and prayers. This is the church that my 
father and mother were married in. I went to the 
Baptist Church in the evening and heard a very good 
sermon. This church was built by our uncle, John 
Amery, and is a very pretty little stone church. He 
was a dissenter and became a prominent Baptist 
preacher. 



298 Sixty Years in Texas. 

July 4th : I spent the Glorious Fourth in Teign- 
mouth, but I never found a man in England, with 
the exception of John Furneaux, who knew that 
America had such a holiday, or what the celebration 
of the Fourth of July was for. 

July 5th: I spent this day in Teignmouth and 
went to several concerts. 

July 6th : Went coaching again ; went for a thir- 
ty-mile trip over Dartmoor. We took dinner at the 
Haytor Hotel and went from there to Widecombee, 
on the Moor, which is a historic place. The ancient 
church, with tower 130 feet high, has been compared 
with St. Mary Magdalene's Church at Oxford. Writ- 
ten in large letters just inside the church tovN^er is 
an account of an awful thunderstorm, which hap- 
pened Oct. 21st, 1638. This tragic event happened 
when the people were worshipping, and a very 
graphic description is given. In that period it was 
directly attributed to Satanic influence. There were 
four persons killed and sixty-two hurt. One man had 
his money melted in his pocket, but the purse was 
not hurt. This place I have heard my mother speak 
of often. After looking over this fine and ancient 
church Vv^e again took our seats in the coach and 
drove for several miles over the moor. The next 
place of interest was Grimespound, a place of the 
ancient Britons, of about three acres, enclosed by a 
stone wall, and within that inclosure several very 
small places inclosed by a stone wall, and in some 
places could be found stone that stood up with one 
end firmly set in the ground, three or rour feet high. 
Three of these stones would support an immense slab 
of granite stone lying flat on the top these cromlech. 
No one seems to know what they were used for ; some 
think for shelter, and others think they Vv^ere used 
for sacrifice or worship. After viewing the remains 
of these ancient Britons we ascended the high hills 



Sixty Years in Texas. 299 

of Dartmoore and looked around at some of the most 
delightful scenery in the world, that almost charmed 
us. We then turned toward the beautiful valley of 
Lustleigh and Bovey Tracey; and the 6th of July, 
1904, has passed away. 

July 7th : I decided to take one more coach ride 
over the Moor, in another direction. The coach left 
the White Hart Inn, Morton Hampstead, at 10:45 
a. m. to return 6 :35 p. m. This time we drove to 
Prince Town, rather an ancient place. The pris- 
oners of war vv^ere kept here, no doubt as far back 
as William the Conqueror, but now, and in times of 
peace, the convicts are confined here, of which they 
now have 1,400 on hand. They work them in the 
quarries and on the roads, and sometimes in the 
fields. I saw several hundred thinning out a field of 
turnips. We stopped here at what seemed to be a 
very ancient hotel, built of granite. We looked over 
the place for an hour or two, then headed for Mor- 
ton. It was getting cold, the north V\^ind was blow- 
ing over the Moor ; we put on our overcoats and the 
ladies their wraps. In a conversation with the lady 
near me I found she was the granddaughter of Par- 
son Clack, of Morton Parish, that held that position 
in 1848 when we left England. I had intended look- 
ing over the Parish records, which are kept in an 
iron chest, to see how far I could trace back the 
Jackson family, but this lady said she v\^as thor- 
oughly familiar with the records, and that the old 
records, from the 17th century back, were burned, 
so I decided not to go to the trouble of searching 
the records. Everybody seemed to be very kind 
and ready to give me all the information they could. 
We reached Moreton and drove through the town 
with horn blowing, and I took the train for Lustleigh 
and reached the Kelly farm rather tired. 

July 8th : I took a rest, and it was rather warm. 



300 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Saturday, July 9th: I took the train for the 
ancient City of Ashburton, to see my rich cousins, 
John and Peter Fabian, Spark Amery of Druid 
Farm, They received me very kindly and I spent 
three days with them, and found them very inter- 
esting, and probably the best posted men in the his- 
tory of Devonshire and Dartmoore to be found in 
that country, and it seemed that nearly everything 
had a history. Some of their furniture they showed 
me was over 300 years old. We went out for a 
walk in the afternoon and he showed me a part of 
his farm, which was once occupied by the ancient 
Britons or Druids, and his farm long ago took the 
name of Druid Farm. The Amerys, my cousins, own 
a part of the old Warren Farm. General Warren, 
of Revolutionary fame, that fought and fell at Bun- 
ker Hill, whose monument stands at Washington, 
was of Devonshire stock. I have the names of his 
ancestors and his pedigree back to 1325. I saw the 
old Warren house; it is still standing near Ashbur- 
ton in Devonshire. My cousins, when they visited 
Canada and America, they also visited Washington 
to look at the monument of General Warren. 

Sunday, July 10th: We all went to Sunday- 
school, the Congregational Church. Fabian Amery 
is superintendent. They were celebrating the 89th 
anniversary of the school, and a Mr. Davies of Buck- 
fortleigh helped to conduct the services. He preach- 
ed and talked to the children, and was very interest- 
ing. There were three services at the church that 
day. Mr. Amery seemed to be holding several places 
of honor and trust; he sometimes gives lectures, and 
is knov/n as Lieutenant Col. Amery. He is the sec- 
retary of the Devonshire Club and the Treasurer of 
the British Club, and recently he and his brother 
were apopinted to get up all the old legends of Dart- 
moore. I think for vears thev have been looking 



Sixty Years in Texas. 301 

up this history of Devon. There are a great many 
cross stones in many different places in Devon, that 
he said were planted in the early Christian Age. 
These stones were set up at the wells and watering 
places, and the priest would come and talk to the 
people, and they would gather there, and soon rooms 
were built for services; as the gatherings became 
larger, more room was added, and later the church 
was built. 

There was said to be a cross stone in Moreton, 
near where the old cross tree stood for 300 years. 
That tree was planted to mark the spot, but was re- 
cently blown down, and now they have a terrace 
there and a cross stone, and the church stands not 
far from it. That old tree has quite a history: In 
the 17th and early in the 18th century, they had 
parties and receptions under it. I and my brothers 
knew it when we were boys, and upon many occa- 
sions platforms were built from the high walls near 
it, to the broad boughs of the tree, large enough to 
hold thirty people, and as many as seven couples 
would dance at one time in the old tree. 

July 11th: I rested. 

July 12th: Went to the Kelly Farm and took a 
rest with the home folks, until the fourteenth day. 

July 14th: I felt better; went to Lustleigh 
Cleve, which is a very high point, and rather difficult 
to climb, and could see Blackenstone Rock and Hey- 
lor Rock ; and it is here that the famous Nut Cracker 
stands, that our mother and father used to speak of, 
which is a large rock on a pivot that weighs many 
tons. By standing on one end of the rock the other 
end will raise high enough to place nuts under and 
then step forward it will crack the nuts. 

July 15th : Took train for Weston Super Mare, 
the home of Mr. Hall, Mr. John Furneaux' son-in- 
law. I met Mr. Furneaux there. Weston Super 



302 Sixty Years in Texas. 

Mare has beautiful lawns and sea front, and is a 
summer resort and watering- place. Hundreds of 
people come here from other cities to spend a few 
weeks and enjoy themselves, many of them bringing 
their children. There were concerts on the beach and 
fine buildings on the piers out in the sea, and the 
opera and theatre goers find plenty of amusement. 
There is also a very old church known as the Uphill 
Church, probably 800 or 1000 years old. The build- 
ings here are all of stone or brick, but principally 
stone, 

Saturday, July 16th: Mr. Furneaux and I took 
a train to the ancient city of Bristol. We first went 
to the Cathedral, which is very ancient and very 
fine. The building is very large and inside has mas- 
sive columns and high arches, all of solid granite. 
It is about 800 years old. We then went to the sus- 
pension bridge that spans the River Avon. It is 245 
feet above high water, and one span between th-'; 
piers is more than 700 feet long, and is said to be 
one of the greatest pieces of engineering skill known 
in the world. The immense height of the perpen- 
dicular and solid granite banks on one side and the 
delightful scenery on the other, makes a very roman- 
tic looking place. This place was the home of Sebas- 
tian Cabot, who claimed to have discovered America 
before Columbus, and there is a monument erected 
to his memory on a very elevated piece of ground, 
said monument being 205 feet high and overlooking 
the city. In this Christian city there is also an 
orphans' home which keeps and provides for 2,000 
children. This home was founded by George Muller 
in 1835, and the most remarkable thing about it is 
that he had no money, but prayed and trusted to the 
Lord for the money and promised Him that he would 
do the work, and the Lord moved upon the hearts of 
the people, and the money was provided and 2,000 



Sixty Years in Texas, 303 

orphans are clothed and fed and educated and sent 
out into the world prepared to meet its realities, and 
as fast as they go others take their places, and it is 
said that none of them have yet suffered for any- 
thing. Large steamboats sail up the river Avon at 
high tide and a great deal of business is done here. 
The electric cars are different from ours, being two 
stories high, and they that prefer to ride on top and 
get a better view of the city can do so. 

Sunday, July 17th : I kept my bed most of the 
day, and was feeling very bad ; thouglit I had better 
send for a doctor. He came and left me some medi- 
cine, which I thought would soon set me all right. 

Monday, July 18th: I still kept in doors, but 
felt much better, and thought I would be ready to go 
abroad the next morning. 

July 19th : Mr. John Furneaux and I took a train 
for Wales, passed through the City of Bristol and 
soon entered the long tunnel, four and a half miles, 
and passed under the River Severn. We were in 
Wales and soon reached the ancient Abbey of Tin- 
tern. Tintern was a monastery of the great branch 
of the Benedictine Order, established in 1098 at 
Citeaux in Bergundy. Their dress was white and 
known in this country as the White Monks. This 
was the .third house of their long list of English 
houses founded in 1131 by Walter De Clare. The 
length of the building East to West is 228 feet. 
North to South, 150 feet; Vvidth of small arches 30 
feet, height of central arch 70 feet, height of east 
window 64 feet, west window 42 feet, the wall above 
the west window 28 feet ; width of east door 14 feet. 
I measured one of the columns, 30 feet in circum- 
ference, and when I looked at these strong and state- 
ly walls, the massive columns, the high and grand 
arches, the graceful simplicity of the architecture, 
the beauty of its mouldings, the elegance of the out- 



304 Sixty Years in Texas. 

lines and the purity of the carving, the thought oc- 
curred to me that these Monks must have been ac- 
tuated by something higher than earthly motives, 
although in that age they had absolute power over 
the community and could command obedience and 
punish disobedience even w^ith the death penalty. 
But we must judge them by the age in which they 
live; they were the pioneers of Christianity, civiliza- 
tion and culture, and were self-denying men, waging 
vx^ar with barbarianism and heathenism, and but for 
them the light of liberty and literature and science 
might have been forever extinguished. After an hour 
at the Abbey we went to Chepstow Castle. This 
structure is boldly reared on the irregular sloping 
edge of a lofty limestone cliff, rising vertically from 
the River Wye, which here and in front forms a 
natural fortress, while the entire front of the castle, 
with its massive round towers, is displayed across 
the ascent of an open green acclivity. The fortress 
is of the Norman period, and ovv^es its erection to 
William Fitz Osborn, one of the councillors of Wil- 
liam The Conqueror. He, with Odo, the brother of 
William The Conqueror, was left to govern England, 
and William the Conqueror withdrew to Normandy. 
Would not attempt to describe this castle, but its 
walls are 12 feet thick and very high ; it has a vault- 
ed subterranean chamber overlooking the River 
Wye. It was here the unhappy Edward the II. stay- 
ed for a time, and his tragic end occurred at Berkley 
Castle the following September. Jasper, Earl of 
Pembiroke, and the Earl of Richmond, was also here. 
Rodger Vaughan, a valiant man, was sent by Ed- 
ward to take the Earl, but he failed and suffered 
death at the appointment of the Earl, and after said 
Earl of Richmond became Henry VII., Elizabeth, 
wife of Edward the IV., was at Chepstow Castle. 
Jeremy Taylor was a prisoner there, one of the 



Sixty Years in Texas. 305 

brightest stars, and of English theological writers. 
This castle was garrisoned by Charles First until 
1645, and later was surrendered to Colonel Morgan, 
Governor of Gloucester. Later, in 1648, the castle 
was betrayed during the absence of the Governor, 
into the hand of Sir Nicholas Kemys, and then 
Cromwell, being in the neighborhood, marched upon 
the castle with a train of artillery, but the castle was 
so obstinately defended that he withdrew. But 
later it was taken and Sir Nicholas Kemys and 48 
men slain, and 120 prisoners taken. It was here 
that Henry Marten, the Regicide, was imprisoned 
for tvv^enty years, and the tower that he was confined 
in is known as the Marten Tower to this day. 

July 20th : I took a rest, although the weather 
was beautiful and I felt like going out, but waited 
until morning. 

July 21st : Mr. Furneaux and I went to Lang- 
ford and took a coach with twenty others, and cross- 
ed the Down 12 miles to Cheddar, going up the 
famous Barrington Valley, and v/e saw the great 
rock in a cleff of which Mr. Toplady took refuge dur- 
ing a thunder storm, and there composed the famous 
hymn that has been sung around the world, "Rock of 
Ages Cleft For Me." 

We crossed over the Down, and were soon in 
sight of the Cheddar Cliffs, which are remarkable, 
rising to a perpendicular height of 480 feet, and 
look very much like the walls of a great castle. One 
of the rocks is known as Castle Rock, which rears 
like a gigantic tower in front of the spec- 
tator ; and to the left is a grand mass of rocks known 
as Lion Rock ; on top of this mass of rocks there is 
a very large stone that resembles the king of beasts, 
the lion. The most skillful word-painting would fail 
in an attempt to describe the beauty and grandeur of 
this scene, at every turn and winding of the pass. 



306 Sixty Years in Texas. 

There are two great caverns here, known as Gough 
and Coxes Caverns, that are very interesting. The 
stalactites and stalagmites are equal to those of the 
famous Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. Some of these 
masses have assumed a variety of fantastic shapes, 
others have a striking resemblance to natural ob- 
jects. We left the cliffs and caves of Cheddar and 
went a few miles to the town of Wells, which is very 
ancient and is noted for its great and ancient cathe- 
dral. We Vv^ere admitted and entered from the west 
door, and were greatly impressed with the grandeur 
and massive character of the continuous range of 
piers, and the very many beautiful arches. We 
found the statues of many bishops and monks, 
dated back to the 10th century. The first church 
on this spot was founded with a college in 705, and 
200 years later, in the reign of King Edward the 
Elder, was made a cathedral. The west front of 
the cathedral has 300 statues, 150 of life size; 21 
crowned kings, 8 queens, 31 mitred ecclesiastics; 
also numerous princes, nobles and knights, ;and 
many Bible scenes such as the creation of man; 
Noah building the Ark; the sentence of Cain, and 
many others; and many Nevv^ Testament scenes, 
Christ before Pilate; the twelve Apostles judging 
the twelve Tribes of Israel, and very many others. 
Many of the statues inside the church have been 
defaced, and it is said to have been done by the sol- 
diers of Cromwell. This cathedral is one of the 
most ancient, and the grandest in all England. In 
the chapel, on the north side, is the celebrated as- 
tronomical clock, constructed by Petros Lightfoot, a 
monk, in 1325. A figure strikes the quarters with 
his feet on two small bells ; in the costume of Charles 
the First, above the dial plate, in a paneled tower, 
are four mounted figures equipped for the tourna- 
ment, and they revolve in opposite directions when 



Sixty Years in Texas. 307 

set in motion, by the striking of the quarters. It 
is the oldest known clock, self-striking the hours 
with a count wheel. 

July 22nd : I bade my friends at Weston good- 
bye and boarded the train for London; arrived there 
safe and put up at the Montague Place, Russell 
Square, near the British Museum. 

July 23rd : Went to the British Museum ; it 
opens for visitors at 10:00 o'clock; I went from 
room to room, and remained there until 2:00 o'clock, 
a very short time to look at so much, but that which 
impressed me most was the rooms of the ancients, 
the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Romans, the Gree- 
cians and Athenians. The ancient City of Ephesus 
has a room, and there are parts of the massive col- 
umns of the great Temple of Diana, where Paul was 
in such danger of being pulled to pieces. The Egyp- 
tian statues and monuments seemed to date back 
further than any, some 4,500 years B. C. There 
were statues of kings and queens long before the 
time of Joseph, some standing and some sitting. 
There was many a sarcophagus in a good state of 
preservation, nearly 4,000 years old. I saw many 
of the mummies of kings and queens, and immense 
statues of some of their kings; Pharoah, who op- 
pressed the Children of Israel. 

The history of the Assyrians reaches nearly as 
far back. I saw the statues of a number of their 
kings, whose names are mentioned in the Bible. 
There were immense winged bulls and lions, with 
human heads, chisseled out of solid rock, that stood 
about fifteen feet high, and was found guarding the 
entrances of these ancient palaces, seven or eight 
hundred years B. C. There could be seen many im- 
mense statues of the Assyrian Kings mentioned in 
the Bible, Shalmaneser, Ashur Banepal, Sennach- 
erib, and others. They have on their clay tablets an 



308 Sixty Years in Texas. 

account of the creation and the flood; and there is 
Jehu, King of Israel, bowing down before Shal- 
maneser; there is a series of bricks and boundary 
stones, showing Babylonian and Assyrian writing 
from earliest times, the Kings' seals with impres- 
sions; clay cylinders and tablets of historic inter- 
est; the Siege of Jerusalem, and submission of 
Hezekiah. 

I saw the Rosetta Stone, inscribed with a decree 
in the priest's writing or hierogliphics, and also in 
the peoples' writing in Egyptian, and also in Greek; 
this inscription gave the clue through the Greek how 
to read the Egyptian. 

The Roman Gallery showed the portrait heads 
of Roman Emperors — Julian Caesar, Tiberius, Nero, 
Titus. Julius Csesar invaded Briton in the year 55 
B. C. and the Romans held the country until 410 
after Christ. Roman Coffins and ornamental pave- 
ment found in England. I saw many statues of the 
warriors, statesmen and poets of ancient Rome, the 
most powerful nation of the ancients. 

The Greeks, the most artistic people that ever 
lived, their statues, their monuments, their sculp- 
tures, are marvels of beauty. There is on exhibi- 
tion a good part of the remains of the Parthenon, 
or the Temple of the Virgin Goddess, Athene, built 
when Athens was the most powerful city in Greece ; 
built on the Acropolis or fortified Rock Hill, where 
Paul preached to the learned Athenians. The col- 
umns are immense and the sculpture beautiful. 

I went to St. Paul's Cathedral in the evening; 
the history of the building is very well known ; but 
will say it is grand on the inside, such an immense 
dome. There can be seen here the statues of Eng- 
land's greatest warriors, statesmen and poets, from 
the eleventh century down to the present time. I 
also went to Westminster Abbey, which is an im- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 309 

mense building, in the form of a cross laid on the 
ground. The visitors pay sixpence each and the 
guide shows them through the chapel and explains 
everything of interest. It was founded by Edward 
the Confessor, who died in 1065, but the building 
has been added to and it is a building of five cen- 
turies; as it now stands, the successive kings and 
queens have been crowned since Edward the Con- 
fessor, and the old chair they sat in when crowned, 
is not much the worse for wear; and here most of 
them have been buried. The princes who were mur- 
dered in the Tower lie here. There are statues and 
monuments almost without number, and as I looked 
upon the last resting place of these Things and 
queens, this thought occurred to me, "Life is but a 
span, and the king, like the beggar, soon passes 
away." 

This building was occupied by Parliament for 
thre centuries. It was the cradle of the Parlia- 
mentary Government of England, and of her Colon- 
ies. 

Sunday, July 24th : Went to Spurgeon's Taber- 
nacle and heard Mr. Thomas Spurgeon preach in 
the morning; in the afternoon drove through the 
city, looking at the places of interest. 

July 25th : Went to the museum in the morning, 
and in the evening went to the zoological garden 
and looked at the animals and birds, I think almost 
every kind known to man is there. 

July 26th : I rode over the city. The principal 
travel on the streets is in two-story busses, and on 
many of the streets it looks like a moving mass of 
humanity ; all of them seem to want to ride on top, 
which is very well seated and the streets are good. 
They are paved with wood, asphalt and stone, but 
principally wood, and the blocks are in the shape of 
brick, but a little larger, and put down edgeways, 



310 Sixty Years in Texas. 

and so smooth that wagons make but very little 
noise; but where the stone pavement is there is a 
good deal of racket. After riding over the streets 
of London for days, I am of the opinion that there 
are more street repairs needed on Elm and Main 
streets of Dallas than in all of London. The wood 
seems to bs preferred to asphalt, but it is hard to 
find a break in either wood or asphalt, and there are 
hundreds of miles of it there, and very heavy travel 
on most of them. London builds 70 miles of streets 
annually. 

July 27th : Left London for Paris ; took train at 
Charing Cross and reached Folkstone at 4:00 
o'clock, and boarded a steamboat for Boulogne; 
was two hours crossing the Channel. It was raining 
and I went below and got very sick, and it was 
with difficulty I made my way to the deck; great 
drops of perspiration came out on my face, and all 
over my body, and my head seemed to go round and 
round, and my stomach was trying to turn over, and 
in this awful agony I held to the railing and leaned 
my head upon it. But we were now drawing near 
the land, and I tried to cheer up by singing: 
"In that sweet bye and bye. 

We shall land on that beautiful shore. 

Where stomachs shall cease to revolve 
And never turn o'er any more." 

We reached the shore and there was a train 
awaiting us for Paris, and I entered the car between 
a sweat and a shiver, and fell into a cushioned seat 
and rested easier, and my stomach settled back to 
its normal condition, and we went at almost a light- 
ning speed toward Paris, which is the glory of the 
Frenchman. We reached the city at 9 :30 p. m. Car- 
riages were awaiting us and we were driven rapidly 
away through the glare of electric lights, to the 
Hotel Dominicia, and there we were met by polished 



Sixty Years in Texas. 311 

waiters and shown to our elegant apartments. We 
were all under the control of Cook & Son, the excur- 
sionists. 

July 28th — 9:30 a. m. : Up came the coach and 
four, and all were ready to go and see the sights, 
and there were many sights and places of interest 
to be seen in this city — the monuments, the statues, 
the parks and fountains, the cathedrals, the palaces, 
the tovN^ers and beautiful gardens; the art galleries 
so full of interest and history, would take weeks to 
look through, and the Pantheon, the place of many 
gods, all very interesting, and the grand boulevards, 
of an evening and Sundays is quite a sight; nothing 
like it in England or America either. 

July 29th : Went to Versailles, 17 miles from 
Paris ; the gardens and palaces are Vhe attractions 
there, and the history of this place includes much 
of the history of France. Our guide showed us 
through the great palace, the rooms that were occu- 
pied by Napoleon Bonaparte, and his carriages of 
state, with many others, that cost almost fabulous 
sums of money. 

The rooms of Marie Antoinette are still intact, 
and the private stairway by which she fled ; but later 
she and her husband, Louis the 16th, were the first 
victims of the guilotine. In these rooms are many 
immense oil paintings, said to be the best selections 
in the world ; they represent many of the historic 
scenes of France. There was an immense and mass- 
ive frame about 18 by 25 feet, representing the cor- 
onation of Josephine, Napoleon's first wife, and not 
far from it was the picture of Josephine after the 
divorce; and there was a large picture of Jeanne 
d'Arc bestride her horse leading the French army 
to victory, and not far from it she is shown in a 
painting lashed to a stake and ready for the flames. 
In another place they have a large bronze statue 



312 Sixty Years in Texas. 

of her, and she is represented bestriding her horse, 
bare-headed and carrying a flag in her right hand. 
The changes which this palace has witnessed are 
pages in the history of France. Louis the Four- 
teenth died here; Louis the Fifteenth was born and 
died here. 'Twas here the attempt was made to as- 
sassinate the last named King. Louis the Sixteenth 
was forcibly carried away from here, and after the 
fall of Napoleon it was occupied by Louis the Eigh- 
teenth, and Charles the Tenth and Louis Phillippi, 
and in 1855 good Queen Victoria was received here 
by Napoleon the Third. In 1871 it was occupied by 
the German forces, and here King William of 
Prussia was proclaimed Emperor of Germany, and 
after the departure of the German forces it became 
the seat of government under the presidency of M. 
Thiers. 

The great number of rooms, with the furniture 
of the past kings and queens, the costly jewels of 
Marie Antoinette, and the numerous pictures of bat- 
tle scenes, and of the royalty of past ages, is too 
much to be seen in so short a time. 

July 30th : We now turn to Place de la Concorde, 
the finest place in Paris, and indeed in Europe. 
Many fine buildings can be seen from this place; it 
was completed in its present form in 1854. This 
site has a tragic history. There is an obelisk stand- 
ing here, and a sister Monolith to Cleopatra's 
Needle. During the Reign of Terror in 1793 the 
guilotine was erected here, on the spot where now 
stands the obelisk, and Louis the Sixteenth and 
Marie Antoinette were the first victims, and in two 
years upwards of 2,000 persons were decapitated. 
It was here the Prussian army camped in 1871. 
There are eight fine statues in the square, repre- 
senting the chief towns of France — Lyons, Mar- 



Sixty Years in Texas. 313 

seilles, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rouen, Brest, Lille and 
Strasburg (now German). 

Foreign armies camped here three times — the 
Allied armies in 1814, the British in 1815 and the 
Prussians in 1871. The army of Versailles attacked 
the Communists here in 1871. 

July 30th : Went to the Trocadero Palace and 
Garden. The palace is in the shape of a crescent and 
the center consists of a circular edifice of vast pro- 
portions, surmounted by a dome which is 173 feet 
in diameter, exceeding the width of St. Peter's at 
Rome, or St. Paul's of London, and on each side of 
the building are fine proportioned towers, one of 
which we ascended by means of an immense ele- 
vator, and got a splendid view of the city of Paris. 

Effel Tower I also ascended. This enormous un- 
dertaking is a monument surpassing anything of the 
kind hitherto erected ; it completely dwarfs into in- 
significance every public building. The tower has 
three platforms, and is comfortably arranged for 
many hundreds of visitors at a time. The third 
platform is 863 feet high; the total height 985 feet. 
To view the city from the top of it is little more than 
a map. The view over France is superb, extending 
fifty miles, until the River Seine looks like a mere 
silver ribbon. There is a military wall 33 feet high 
that surrounds Paris, about 27 miles in circum- 
ference, constructed by order of M. Thiers in 1841, 
at a cost of $25,000,000. At various intervals six- 
teen detached forts outside the walls, mounted with 
heavy artillery, for the defense of the city. 

Sunday, July 31st: Went to Efl'el Tower in the 
morning and to the grand boulevard in the evening. 

August 1st : Took a train for Boulogne, and 
there took boat for Folkestone, and crossed the Chan- 
nel ; the weather clear and sea calm, and reached 
London in the evening, rather tired. 



314 Sixty Years in Texas. 

August 2nd : Went to the Tower of London, 
which has a history of a thousand years. Here were 
the old city walls, built by the Romans, and rebuilt 
in 885 by King Alfred, and later in 1078, by order of 
Wm. The Conquer, the work of building was going 
on. This tower has been an awful history of blood. 
'Twas here that Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry 
the Eighth, and Kathrine Howard, fifth wife, was 
beheaded, and Lady Jane Grey, and Margaret, Coun- 
tess of Salisbury; and Jane, Viscountess of Rockford, 
and Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex, and Lord 
Hastings, and Lord Guildford Dudley, and many oth- 
ers were imprisoned and beheaded, and the children, 
Edward Fifth and brother, imprisoned and murder- 
ed here, supposed to have been done by order of 
Richard the Third. Here lie the old axe and block 
that were used to sever the heads from the bodies 
of those unfortunates. Here is the chapel that must 
have seen the devotions of William the Conqueror 
and family. We find here in the armory the armor 
used in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, for 
horse and man, weighing from 60 to 120 pounds, 
Henry the Eighth's weighing 81 pounds ; both man 
and beast are represented here with the armor on 
and ready for war. Here are also the crown jew- 
els and crowns. The king's crown occupies the high- 
est place in the double case that forms the English 
Regalia. St. Edward's crown seems to be the model 
from which all other crowns have been fashioned. 
The royal sceptre and other magnificent regal em- 
blems, the annointing spoon, and the eagle for the 
annointing oil, and the baptismal font, used in the 
christening of sovereigns' children, and many other 
regal emblems ; two swords of Justice, one ecclesias- 
tical, one civil, and the Sword of Mercy, pointless, 
the blade 40 inches long. We find every make of 



Sixty Years in Texas. 315 

gun and cannon here that have ben used in modern 
warfare. 

The Tower is not so high as I expected to see, bu'c 
very much larger. There are 18 acres of ground, 
and it is a place of many towers and buildings, and 
each one has a name, such as the Bell Tower, the 
Bloody Tower, the Lion Tower, the Middle Tower, 
and others. There vs^ere the implements of torture, 
used during the Spanish Inquisition; the thumb- 
screw, the scavenger's daughter, for confining the 
neck and hands and feet, and also the so-called collar, 
taken from the Spanish Armada. 

August 3rd : Went to the West of London, which 
seems to be more modern; many very large estab- 
lishments ; the drj' goods or drapery houses seem to 
be the largest. 

August 4th : Not well, remained at the hotel. 

August 5th : Felt better, but thought I had bet- 
ter remain at hotel and rest. 

August 6th : Took a street car and went to East 
London ; went through the famous White Chapel dis- 
trict ; there seems to be a rather hard class of people 
in that part of the city. The streets leading from 
London proper to the White Chapel district were jam- 
med with all kinds of traffic, and the cars got along 
very slovv^ly. It took me over half a day to go there 
and back. I went to Madame Tussard's Exhibition 
in the evening. This institution was founded more 
than 120 years ago, in the city of Paris, prior to the 
great revolution, and about ninety years ago it was 
moved to England, and has become permanent and 
very popular in London. She has exhibited the 
collections for fifty years, and her sons and grand- 
sons up to the present. The talents of the family 
have been employed upon the exhibition since its 
foundation; and these wonderful life-like and life- 
size wax figures dressed in the costume of the age 



316 Sixty Years in Texas. 

in which they hved, their features having a strik- 
ing resemblance to the parties they represent; and 
most, or all of the royalty of the past ages, of Eng- 
land and France, together with most of the historic 
scenes, are represented in these vast chambers, al- 
most life-like. There is a life-like figure of every 
king and queen, giving the length of time they 
reigned, the coronation scenes ; the murder of the 
princes in the Tower; the execution of Mary Queen 
of Scotts, the executioner, the block and all of the 
parties w^ho took part in that awful scene ; the scene 
of the murder of Thomas A. Becket in 1170; the 
scene of King John signing Magna Charter; there 
were life-like figures of most of our presidents and 
great men ; also of the great men of England : John 
Knox, Shakespeare and Cromwell, and a host of 
others. It is worth curious remark that almost the 
first blood of the Revolution in France was shed in 
consequenceofabroil engendered by two figures mod- 
eled by Curtis, the founder of this institution. Some- 
well-dressed people obtained from the Cabinet in the 
Palais Royal the bust of a recently disgraced min- 
ister. The bust was veiled with black crepe, to 
symbolize the popular mourning for the minister's 
downfall, and they were attacked by the soldiers and 
the bust cut to pieces and the parties shot, several 
losing their lives, and this may be termed the begin- 
ning of Madame Tussard's Exhibition. Two days 
after this occurred the storming of the Bastille. 

Sunday, August 7th : I rested. Everything was 
very quiet in London on Sunday, quite different from 
Paris ; there business seems to go on about the same 
as other days, and a great many of the workmen 
don't seem to know when Sunday comes. It is a 
holiday for a great many others. 

August 8th : I took train for Liverpool, passing 



Sixty Years in Texas. 317 

through Bedfordshire and Nottinghamshire and 
Derbyshire, and several other shires. Derbyshire is 
very hilly and looks something like Devonshire. We 
passed the tov>^n where the rich Duke of Devon 
lives. In several of the other counties harvesting 
was in full blast; could see a good many self-binders 
at work, and some old machines that raked the 
grain off, such as we used 35 years ago. In France 
nearly the whole country between Boulogne and 
Paris was covered with wheat and oats, and har- 
vest was in full blast there, and they were using 
about the same kind of machinery as in England. 

August 9th : And I am at the Shaftesbury Hotel 
in Liverpool. I looked around over the city a little, 
but did not find anything very interesting at first. 
Went to St. George's Square. The Town Hall is on 
one side, rather a large building, with numerous 
massive columns, and guarded in front by four im- 
mense lions; and upon the right is a monument of 
Queen Victoria, mounted on a great charger, and 
upon the left Prince Albert, mounted in like manner. 
On the other side of the building is a very beautiful 
flower garden, with several monuments, the central 
figure being the monument of the late Wm. Glad- 
stone, the base being over twenty feet in diameter, 
and he stands erect on said monument, his left hand 
resting on a stack of books, and upon either side are 
two large-winged female statues, in sitting posture, 
the one on the right holding the Bible in her hand 
and representing Truth; the one on the left holding 
the balances in her hand and representing Justice; 
and on the back two men are shaking hands and 
representing the Brotherhood of Man; and on the 
front is written, "Wm. Gladstone, born at Liverpool 
Dec. 29th, 1809. Died May 19th, 1898." 

There is also in the middle of the Square an im- 
mense monument of the Duke of Wellington, the 



318 Sixty Years in Texas. 

largest in England, over 30 feet in diameter, at 
the base, and 155 feet high. 

I then went to the Mueum, which is not so large 
as the British Museum, but some things are on exhi- 
bition there that are not seen in the British Museum. 
I saw the skeleton of a whale that was caught in 
the River Mersey. It was resting on a frame made 
for that purpose, and was about 40 feet long, and 
could have swallowed Jonah very easily, without 
scratching his throat. I also saw the skeleton of an 
immense deer, that was found in the bogs of Old 
Ireland. It is said the species have become extinct. I 
think from the ground to the top of his horns was 
about ten feet, and the horns from tip to tip seven 
or eight feet. Old Ireland in the past has produced 
great animals as well as great men. I then went to 
the art gallery — I had only a short time until our 
ship sailed. As I aproached the building I took care- 
ful notice of two large statues in a sitting posture, 
one on the right, Michael Angelo, born 1474, died 
1565. The one on the left, Raphael, born 1483, died 
1520. There were many large and beautiful paint- 
ings in these galleries, but not so great a collection 
as I saw at Varsailles. 

The policemen of the great cities of England are 
very courteous and kind, and ready to give you all 
the information they can, especially the policemen of 
London; I think they are a very fine body of men, 
intelligent, kind, courteous and civil, and I think 
they must have been selected with much care. One 
thing struck me very forcibly — the great respect the 
people had for the law. It is in this the strength of 
England lies. 

I will conclude by saying that when I think of 
the history that England has, and her colonies, and 
the countries she controls, and the love and patriot- 
ism that is shown by them for the Mother Country, 



Sixty Years in Texas. 319 

and the influence she has over the world, I do not 
wonder at an Englishman being an Englishman, 
and claiming her protection in every country and 
every clime. 

The policemen in Paris I could not understand ; 
I never spoke to one that could speak English; and 
in regard to Paris, v/ith all her splendor, I do not 
think I should like to live there, after going through 
the market places and seeing what they sell there for 
people to live on, such as snails and frogs and crabs, 
and horse and mule meat, and many other unpal- 
atable things. 

August 10th : And we are on board of the Oceanic, 
a ship of the White Star Line, and are steam- 
ing out upon the high sea, and — England is fading 
away in the distance, and I must say farewell to the 
shores of Old England forever. Farewell to thy 
great and ancient cities. Farewell to thy people, 
Vv^hose power and influence have encircled the globe. 
Farewell to old Devonshire, the place of my birth. 
Farewell to my old home, whose ancient walls shel- 
tered and protected me in infancy. Farewell to thy 
ancient hills. Farewell to thy delightful scenery. 
Farewell to the quaint old churches, the towers and 
spires of which have pointed heavenward for cen- 
turies. Farewell to thy old church bells, whose 
chimes and warning notes have been wafted out 
upon the morning breeze for ages past, notifying 
the villagers that it was time to meet for worship. 
Farewell forever. Farewell to the graves of my 
forefathers. Farevv^ell to the monuments and grave- 
stones that stand as faithful sentinels to mark the 
spot of their last resting place, forever farewell ! 
Farewell to thy ancient castles, whose strong walls 
have been a protection and means of defense in the 
Dark Ages that are past. Farewell, forever fare 
thee well ! Farewell to my friends and relatives who 



320 Sixty Years in Texas. 

have received me so kindly, and treated me so royal- 
ly ; with a loving heart I must bid you a last fare- 
vv^ell, hoping that a kind Providence will provide a 
meeting place for us in the Great Beyond. But for 
the present, farewell! 

Thursday, August 11th: The sky was bright and 
clear, and it was cold enough for an overcoat on dsck, 
and we were at anchor at Queenstown. The land was 
in front and on either side, and it looked like a great 
lake, with only a small opening in the rear to get 
out. It was a very pretty scene, and most of the 
passengers Vv^ere on deck looking at the surround- 
ings. There were a number of small boats, with 
fruits and other things for sale, alongside our ship, 
and the passengers were having a good deal of sport 
pulling things up in baskets. And we saw fourteen 
black looking boats that were said to be torpedo-boat 
destroyers, lying in the harbor. The sea-gulls were 
very much in evidence, and large flocks of them were 
hovering around, their keen eyes detecting every 
small thing lying upon the surface of the sea. The 
mail — a very large quantity — was delivered on board 
our ship, and vve made another start and passed 
along the coast of Ireland, and passed the lighthouse 
on the Rock of Fastness, 65 miles from Queens 
Town. The weather was clear and cool, a light 
breeze was blowing, and our great ship, with 2,000 
passengers, was gliding smoothly along. She was 705 
feet in length, and one of the largest Ocean Grey 
Hounds, but she was not making as good time as did 
the Kaiser. 

Friday morning: It vv'as raining; the deck was 
sloppy, and the wind cold. The sea was a little 
choppy and some of the passengers were getting 
sick. Noon — and the gong sounded for dinner, and 
only about two-thirds of the passengers appeared at 
the table; one of my room-mates was sick, and it 



Sixty Years in Texas. 321 

was all that I could do to hold up. The clouds rolled 
by and the rain was over for the time. 

Saturday, the 13th: I was sick and kept my 
bed all day. 

Sunday, 14th : Was a beautiful day ; the sea was 
calm. We had two services that day, one conducted 
by an Episcopalian on our deck, the other was held 
on the lower deck with the steerage passengers. 
There was good singing and a good sermon. There 
were over one thousand steerage passengers, and 
they made a large congregation. We could stand on 
our deck and look down on them and hear very well, 
and some on our deck took part in the singing. 

Monday, the 15th : A stiff breeze was blowing 
and black clouds were coming up from the west, 
rt is noon and the storm coming; we could see the 
lightning flash and hear the thunder roll; and the 
storm came and the rain poured. The wind was 
blowing and the waves rolling high; our ship was 
rocking and many passengers getting sick. 

Tuesday, the 16th : The weather was clear and 
we were making good time. A little infant eight 
months old died on Monday, and on Tuesday she was 
committed to the waves, and the great sea swallowed 
her up; the mother with sorrow and grief went to 
her room weeping. 

Wednesday, August 17th: And we were nearing 
land ; most of the passengers were jolly, and all 
seemed to be in good humor. We could hear fhem 
say to one another, "It won't be long until we shall 
land in God's country." We were nearing the har- 
bor, and there were a great many boats of all kinds 
sailing in every direction. It was a very pretty 
sight. I landed and had my baggage inspected; it 
was a very tedious job. I went to the Abingdon 
Hotel, and at 5:00 o'clock took train for Centralia. 
Illinois. Took a sleeper, but could not sleep much. 



322 Sixty Years in Texas. 

August 18th : Nothing of interest happened ; we 
passed ripe fields of grain, wheat and oats, and har- 
vest was in full blast in Canada. 

August 19th : Arrived at Centralia and it rained 
all day. After resting a day or two at Centralia with 
Dr. Morey and wife, my daughter, I took the train 
for St. Louis to visit the Fair for a few days, and 
then took the train for Dallas, Texas, and arrived at 
home safe, making the trip in a little less than three 
months. 



ENGLAND AND ROME. 

There is one nation in this universe 
That has arisen to power and fame. 

And her patriotic principles 
Have immortalized her name. 

In splendor, pomp and power 

The ancient kings did rule. 
But oppressed and enslaved the people 

And were heartless, vain and cruel. 

The eternal city on the Tiber, 

Where the Caesars ruled complete. 
And the plebeian and the alien 

Stood trembling at their feet — 

Tfiat city of the seven hills 

Once reigned and ruled the globe. 
But now the imperial mantle of her mighty kings 

Is a cast off tattered robe. 

She ruled for Rome, and Rome alone. 

And in exultant praise would sing. 
While other nations bent the knee 

And paid tribute to the king. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 323 

Rome's matchless buildings, gilded domes, 

And the Forum — oh, alas ! 
The glory then of ancient Rome 

Now the glory of the past. 

The seeds of true democracy 

Were by the Anglo-Saxons planted ; 

And the first fruit was seen at Runneymede, 
And Magna Charta granted. 

In the Parliament of Briton, 

In spite of lords or kings, it grew; 

And the Baron and the Commoner 
Built better than they knew. 

It was the dawning of the morning 

When the Virgin Queen did reign. 
And the British heart rejoiced once more 

For the liberties obtained. 

In modern times the British 

With freedom's flag unfurled 
Has preached the Gospel of God and liberty 

Around the heathen world. 

She rules in Africa and Egypt, 

And on to India's coral strand, 
And justice is her watchword 

For every race of man. 

*The turbid waters of the narrow Tiber 

Roll on restless to the sea, 
And Rome she ruled in narrowness, 

And no nation then was free. 



*The Tiber where Rome is situated is only 300 
feet wide and where it enters into the Mediterranean, 
sixteen miles distant, is only 600 feet wide. 



324 Sixty Years In Texas. 

**The Thames, unlike the Tiber, 

Grows broad and broader to the sea ; 

And England's broad and righteous rule 
Will set the nations free. 

The measured step of the British rank 
That has moved from place to place 

Has given Gospel light and liberty 
To every heathen race. 

Will our politicians ne'er forget. 

And never cease to crow 
O'er the blunders of that old King George, 

That happened so long ago? 

The white man has a burden 

That the good and wise do plainly see, 
And it is to Christianize and educate, 

And set the heathens free. 



'''*ihe Thames at London is 900 feet wide from 
bank to bank and where it enters into the sea it is six 
miles wide. 



First Pioneers of Dallas County 

Alphabetically Arranged — Over 1200 

The first pioneers of Dallas County that came to 
Texas before July, 1848, and many of the children 
are named. They are the people that endured the 
hardships and braved the dangers and drove back 
the Indians and converted this country from a wild 
wilderness into a garden spot and made it possible 
for those that came later on to enjoy the benefits and 
blessings of their labors. This list is principally 
taken from John Henry Brown's book by the kind- 



Sixty Years In Texas. 325 

ness and permission of Misses Lizzie and Marion 
Taylor Brown, his daughters, and there is no doubt 
but many of the old pioneers have died since this list 
was first printed in 1887. While the list is alpha- 
betically the rule is departed from in so far as to 
assign the post of honor rightfully and gratefully 
to: 

Bryan, John Neely, a Tenneesseean, last from Red 
River, the first settler of Dallas county, and a 
single man, who came about the last of November, 
1841. 

Allen, Simon Bolivar, merchant in 1848 — did live 
in Bonham. 

Atterberry, James, and family. 

Atterberry, Stephen C, and family. 

Atterberry, Jesse, and family. 

Atterberry, Nathan (soldier in Mexico) and 
Churchill came single. 

Anderson, John L., and family, came from Ken- 
tucky 1846. 

Anderson, James, and family, 1846. 

Anderson, single, Thomas R. and James W. 

Armstrong, James, and family, came in 1846; his 
daughter, Frances E., came, the wife of John Bur- 
sey, and is now dead ; Martha married Robert 
Cook, dead ; Nancy J. married first Wm. A. Knight, 
second W. Marion Moon ; Mary J., married Alex- 
ander A. Thomas; Anderson, the only son, died 
in 1848. 

Armstrong, Miss Cenia. 

Aytes, John, and family before 1849. 

Archer, Thomas M., and family, 1846. 

AsHLOCK, Josiah, and family. 

Andrews, Ben F. and Samuel, came single. 

Alexander, J. J., came single. 

Bursey, John, and wife, nee Frances E, Armstrong, 
came in 1846. 



326 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Badgeley, Daniel A,, and family; Job married Lydia 

Marks. 
Balshmire, Henry, married Eliza Goodwin, 
Bryan, James B. (brother of John N.) came in 

1846; married (second wife) Mrs. Elizabeth Har- 

ter, nee Beeman; children, William, James and 

Lenore. 
Baird, Geo. W., 1849 ; married Marry E. Traughber. 
Bethurum, Robert P., married Electa A. Hawpe. 
Bethurum, Ben F., married Nancy P. Elam. 
Bast, Abraham, 1848, m. Myers; children. 

Morgan, Jack, David, Abraham, Julia, Lucinda. 

Eliza. 
Bledsoe, "A.," and family, from Missouri 1846 ; chil 

dren, Willis A., married Jane Boyle; Moses O. lo 

Sadie George; Isaac C. to Miss Steele; Virginia to 

Capt. R. A. Rawlins; Bettie to Thomas Spruance; 

Fleming G. to Juliet Samuels. 
Bledsoe, Anthony, married Martha Huitt. 
Bledsoe, Dr. Samuel T., and family, 1845. 
Bernard, Charles H., came from Illinois, 1847. 
Brown, Young E., and family, 1844. 
Brown, Crawford, and family, 1844. 
Brandenburg, A., and family; Samuel came single. 
Beard, Allen, and family. \X 

Beverly, Wm., 1846, married Rebecca Conover; died 

in Collin 1887. tvi^-ww^n— ^ 

Bennett, Hiram, came in 1845 ; children, Madison, 

Hardy and C. L. 
Bennett, Wm. H., and family, 1845. 
Bennett, James M., and family, 1845. 
Bennett, Elisha and Elijah D., came single. 
Burris, Thomas, and family. 
Browder, Mrs. Lucy, came in 1845. 
Browder, Isham, son of Lucy, and family, 1845. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 327 

Browder, Edward C, son of Lucy, 1845, m. Eliza- 
beth Coats; his children. Pleasant S., Annie B. m. 
Edgar Prickett; Emma m. Dr. J. H. McCorkle; 
Fanny m. G. M. Overleese. 

Bird, James and family, from Missouri 1844. 

Bird, Samuel P., came single. 

Bruton, Wm., patriarch, from Illinois 1845; chil- 
dren, Richard married Elizabeth Cox; James R. 
married Nancy Edwards. 

Britton, Joseph, and family, 1848. 

Baker, James M., married Ruth Forester. 

Baker, Artemas, came single. 

Barker, Joshua, married Sarah Hart. 

Bandy, Richard T,, married Aurelia A. Rawlins. 

BiLLlNGSLEY, Wm., married Arena Kirkland. 

Barnes, Wm. D., married Tabitha C. Smith. 

Barnes, Wm., came in 1845; in Grand Prairie fight. 

BURNHAM, Horace, married Matilda Cole. 

Burnett, Wm. D., came single. 

Brotherton, Robert K., came single. 

Brotherton, H. K. 

BURFORD, Nathaniel M., came from Tennessee in 
1848; m. Mary Knight in 1854; their children — 
Mattie m. Wm. Morris Freeman in 1886 ; Nathan- 
iel is dead; Robert Lee, Jeff Mallard and May. 

Barrett, Rosvv^ell B., an orphan of Texas parentage, 
came with James Armstrong in 1846; married 
"Babe" Baldridge. 

Barrett, James W., brother of Roswell, still single. 

Bledsoe, Allen, came in 1845; in Grand Prairie 
fight. 

BUSKIRK, Jonas, and family. 

Bradshaw, David, and family. 

Beeman, John, and family, from Illinois to Bowie 
county 1840, to Bird's Fort November, 1841, to 
Dallas county April, 1842. His wife was Emily 
Hunnicut. Their children — Elizabeth m first Hen- 



328 Sixty Years In Texas. 

ry Harter in 1844, going eighty miles to Bonham 
for that purpose, second James B. Bryan, and 
third Wm. Cumby; Margaret m. John Neely 
Bryan ; Wm. H. m. Martha Dye ; Samuel H. m. 
Mary Ann Weatherford ; Isaac H. died in Cali- 
fornia ; James H. m, Mary Hammond ; Clarissa m. 

Walker ; Nancy m. Wm, Hobbs ; Ann m. 

John Fugate; Caroline m. Isaac Fisher — ten chil- 
dren — nine married. 

Beeman, James, J., in St. Charles county, Missouri, 
in 1836, married Sarah Crawford ; in Dallas, No- 
vember 29, 1851, he married Elizabeth Baker, 
from Ohio. By the first marriage he had children, 
Mary J. (died in 1884) marired first Henry Price, 
second Wyatt Barnett; Emily T. married Wm. T. 
Baker; Francis M. married Amanda McCormick; 
Melissa died in youth. By his second wife J. J. 
had Charles A., who married Martha McCormick, 
and Sarah E., who married L. A. Sweet. 

Beeman, Samuel, married in St. Charles county, 
Missouri, Mary Smelser (both now dead), and 
came November, 1846, from Calhoun county, Illi- 
nois. Of their children, John S. married Isabel 
Bryan in Illinois — came with his father; Ruth 
married Adam C. Haught, whose first wife, Mar- 
garet, was a sister of her father; Nancy (in Illi- 
nois) married Wm. Hunnicut; Isaac married Han- 
nah Bethurum ; Temperance married Moore ; 

Mary married Benj. Lanham; Peter married Ma- 
tilda Riggs; William and Jacob were killed in the 
Confederate army ; Kate married Newton Husted. 
The three brothers brought twenty-four children 
to Dallas county, including those born here. 

Caldwell, Solomon, and family, from Illinois 1842. 

Caldwell, Wm., and family, from Illinois. 

Caldwell, Timothy, came single, married Nancy 
Ray. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 329 

CORLEY, Adelbert, son of the Rev. Sam. Corley, the 
Mexican war soldier, came in 1848; for thirty 
years has been clerk of Red River county. 

Cole, John P., and family, moved to Tarrant. 

Corcoran, John T., and family, 1845. 

Crabtree, William, and family. 

Crutchfield, Thomas F., and family, from Ken- 
tucky 1845 ; children, James O. m. Fanny Floyd ; 
Albertus went to California; Th. Ella m. G. S. C. 
Leonard ; Ophelia m. John J. Eakins, who died in 
1886; Minerva m. John W. Swindells; Betty m. 
John W. Lane. 

COUSY, Mrs. Nancy, and family. 

COUSY, Thomas W., came single. 

Casey, John, and family. 

Casey, Harvey, came single. 

Casey, Harry, came single. 

Cornelius, Abner P., and family. 

Crumpacker,, Darriel and Joel, came single. 

Cheshire, Thomas and family. 

Cook, John C, married Elvira Mays. 

Carver, Solomon, and family. 

Carver, Abraham, and family. 

Carver, Daniel, came single. 

Chenoweth, James F., and family. 

Chenoweth, Thomas, married Hannah Keenan. 

Clark, A. J. (old Texian) came in 1845 — m Grand 
Prairie fight, married Sarah Myers; their son, H. 
C, in Dallas. 

Clark, Henry, and family. 

Clark, Wm., came in 1845 — his family came with 
Judge Patterson in January, 1846. 

Gates, James, came in 1844 ; in Grand Prairie fight ; 
married Elvira Fay. 

Campbell, Thomas J., came single. 

Chapman, John C, and family. 

Chapman, Robert, came single. 



330 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Castor, Jacob, came single. 

Carlock, Jacob G., came single. 

Coats, Samuel, and family, from Illinois 1845. 

Coats, Thomas D., and family, from Illinois 1845. ^ , 

Coats, Marion A., and Wm. B. came single. '•'^^'^ '^ 

Cox, John H., and wife, from Illinois 1842. 

Cox, George, from Illinois 1842. 

Cox, James, from Illinois 1844. 

Cox, Davis B., from Illinois 1844. 

Cox, Hartwell B., from Illinois 1844. 

Cox, Joseph, married Narcissa Elam. 

Cox, William, married Mary Dike. 

Conover, Dr. W. W., came 1845. 

Campbell, Thomas A., married Margaret A. 

Coombes. 
Carr, Wm., and family. 
Carr, Henry, came single. 
Connor, Wm. D., married Mary Fikes. 
Carpenter, Timothy, and family came in 1843. 
Crowley, Richard, married Almeda Leake. 
Crowley, Benj. F., married Edna Leake. 
Calder, Dr. , came in 1842, killed by Indians 

in Collin February, 1843 (see narrative.) ■ 
Coombes, Wm., and family, from Kentucky 1843; 

children — Leven G. m. Jane H. Heady; Zachariah 

Ellis m. Rebecca F. Bedford ; Isaac N. m. Berrilla 

K. Myers ; Margaret A. m. Thos. A. Campbell and 

died in Missouri in 1869; Mary M. m. Levi M. 

Bumpas ; Rebecca F. m. Wm. L. Holt and is dead. 

Children by a second wife, Samuel H., John W. 

and three daughters. 
Combs, Joseph, and family (Cedar Hill) came before 

July, 1848; of his children Zur m. Sarah Evans; 

Wm. S. m. Elizabeth J. Evans ; Robert. 
Chowning, Robert, came in 1845. 
Crowning, J. W. m. Nancy Myers in Illinois — in 



Sixty Years In Texas. 331 

Grand Prairie fight in 1846; found the murdered 
Phelps party in 1848. 

Couch, Henderson, as foreman of the jury at the 
first court ever held in Dallas county, December, 
1846, he and his eleven colleagues divorced Mrs. 
Charlotte M. Dalton from her husband, Joseph 
Dalton; and before the sun of that day glided to 
the "Heathen Chinee" side of the globe, the said 
Henderson Couch and Charlotte M. Dalton, legal- 
ly and constitutionally, v/ere husband and wife. 
It was the first civil suit — Dalton vs. Dalton — ever 
tried in Dallas county ; yet some people of this 
day imagine that the "Early Timers" of Dallas 
were of the backwoods, "Arkansaw Traveller," 
non-progressive class, such as are found stuck 
away in certain spots in New York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, and possibly a few in North Caro- 
lina and Virginia, but never in the prairies of the 
Great West or Southwest. Let all such realize 
the electric dispatch of business in early Dallas 
days, and be convinced of their former erroneous 
impressions — then tip their beavers to the mem- 
ory of Henderson and Charlotte Couch. 

Chenault, Wesley M., and family came in 1845. 

Chenault, William, came single, a soldier in Mex- 
ico, married Ruth Ann Jackson, died in 1886. 

Cameron, David R., and family, from Missouri in 
1844; among his children were Chris C, L. Frank 
and T. H. 

COCKRELL, Wesley, and family came in 1846. 

Cook, Henry, and family, before 1849. 

Cole, Dr. John, wife and mostly grown children 
came from Arkansas 1843 ; their children, Calvin 
G., married in Arkansas Elvira Reeder; James M., 
m. Sarah Bennett ; John H. m. Elizabeth Preston ; 
Martin V., m. Maggie Preston; Joseph, m. Jennie 
Overton; Malinda, m. (second wife of) James N. 



332 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Smith; Eliza, m. Jefferson Tilley; Louisa, m. A, 
G. Walker, and is dead; Wm. did live in Medina 
county, m. Mary Bennett. 

Cook, Williford W., brother of Robert M., came in 
1845. 

Cook, Robert M., surveyor, came in 1845; m. Martha 
Armstrong; both dead. 

Conner, Abraham, and family, came before 1846. 

Crockett, John M., and wife came from Tennessee 
October, 1847 ; are now dead. 

Collins, James, and wife Nancy came in 1846. 

Collins, Thomas, brother of James and wife Mary, 
came in 1846. 

Carter, Wormley, born in Loudon county, Virginia, 
June 19, 1816; removed from Kentucky to Mis- 
souri 1843 ; to Dallas in May, 1846 ; married Lucy 
Anderson; since 1880 has lived near Lewisville, 
Denton county; is dead. 

Carter, Asher W., brother of Wormley, married 
Eliabeth A. Wood; is now dead. 

Cockrell, Alexander, came from Missouri in 1845 ; 
was a frontier soldier and partly in Mexico ; mar- 
ried Sarah H. Horton ; was killed in Dallas April 
3, 1858. His widow now dead. Frank Cockrell 
lives in St. Louis ; Alexander married Ettie Fulk- 
erson, and lives in Dallas. 

Crow. Wm. M., and family came in 1847. 

Carder, Wm. P., and family came in 1845 ; his sons, 
Elijah and Christopher, were soldiers in Mexico, 
and died in the city about Christmas, 1847. His 
wife, nee Brumfield, was a sister of Mrs. Amon 
McCommas. 

DOOLEY, George W., and family, before 1848. 

DURRETT, George W., and family, before 1848. 

Daniel, John H., came from Missouri in 1845 — a 
soldier in the Mexican war — married Rebecca Ray 
in Dallas county. Their children, William R. mar- 



Sixty Years In Texas. 333 

ried Josephine McCommas; Mary Frances mar- 
ried George H. Alexander; "John Henry" died 
March 5, 1885; Benj. F. ; Sterhng Price; Edmund 
W. married first Emma McCommas, second Ettie 
Wilkinson; Charles A., Martha J., and the last is 
"Arthur Ellis Coombes Daniel." 

Dykes, Thomas, came single in 1845 ; a soldier in 
Mexico, and died in New Orleans en route home. 

DURGIN, Charles H., merchant, came from Massa- 
chusetts 1845; married Elizabeth B. Thomas, and 
is long deceased. 

Dakan, Dr. Perry, married Ann R. Walker, who 
died in California. He returned, and died in 
Texas. 

Dye, Benjamin, Sr., and family, came from Ken- 
tucky in 1847. His children — Enoch, now dead, 
married a daughter of Rev. Abner Keen; Benj., 
Jr., and Wm. H., died single; Joseph F. went to 
California in 1853 ; George lives in Dallas county ; 
Martha E. is the vv^ife of Wm. H. Beenman; Sarah 

first married Vassella and is now the wife 

of Dr. Mitchell; Miranda married Madison 

Bennett; Addie is the wife of Wm. A. McDermett. 

Dye, William, brother of Benj., died single. 

Dawdy, Alanson, married Rebecca Shelton. 

Downing, Wm. W., came single. 

DUNAWAY, Foster W., came single. 

Dixon, Solomon W., and family. 

Demay (or Dernay) Charles, came in 1845 — in 
Grand Prairie fight. 

Davis, Hinson C, and family. 

Davis, John W., Benj., F. and Jeremiah came sin- 
gle. 

Ellis, Thomas M., and wife, nee Witt, came from 
Ilhnois in 1845. One of their daughters married 

Middleton Perry, Mary married Jones Green, 

married W. L. White, Wm. F. married Miss Smith, 



334 Sixty Years In Texas. 

John T, married Miss Stewart, James H. married 
Mary E. Rawlins. 

Elam, Wm. B., wife Mary and family from Illinois 
1845. 

Elam, Isaac, wife Margaret and family, 1847. 

Elam, W. M., and family. 

Elam, Jesse, and family. 

Elam, Andrew, Benton and several others came sin- 
gle. 

Elliott, Sanders, came in 1845. 

Elkins, Smith, elected chief justice in 1850, and quit 
the country under a domestic cloud. 

Edwards, Isaac, and family. 

Ferris, Morris, and family came before 1846. 

Floyd, George, and family. 

Fyke, Ehsha, and family. 

Fyke, Archer, came single. 

Fortner, Milford F., and family. 

Frost, Benj., and family. 

Frost, Thomas, came single. 

Ferris, Warren A., surveyor, and family came from 
Nacogdoches in 1846. 

Fleming, Wm., and family came in 1846. 

Fleming, Geo. W., came single in 1846; married 
Louisa Jane Britton. 

Franklin, Levi, married Nancy Rogers. 

Fletcher, , married Miss Henry. 

Fortner, John, and family, came in 1844 ; now lives 
at Vinita, Indian Territory; his children — Amos, 
Mary J. married George Burgoon; Caroline mar- 
ried George Nash. 

Freeman, Mrs. Mary Amy and family came in 1846. 

Freeman, Wm. S., and wife Susan came in 1846. 

Fondren, John R., came in 1846. 

Glover, George W., and family came in 1843. 

Goodwin, Micajah, and family came before 1846. 

Goodwin, Thos. R., came single. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 335 

Galloway, D. R. S. C, married Jane Manning. 
Gracey, Marquis D. L., came in 1846; married 
Amanda E. Harris. 

Gracey, Emory A., married Miss Matlock. 

Gracey, Grundy C., Sabine and Wm. T.,; Amanda 
married Goodnight. 

Gill, Eldridge, came in 1849 ; married Mrs. Lucinda 
McDonald, nee Smith. 

Gunnels, Washington, married Polly Sparks. 

Greathouse, Archibald, and family came in 1844. 

Garkins, George, and wife Easter came in 1847. 

Gilbert, Mabel, and wife Martha, came from Bird's 
Fort, in March, 1842, Mrs, Gilbert being the first 
white lady to reach Dallas, though followed on 
the 4th of April by Mrs. John Beeman, yet living, 
and her daughters. Mr. Gilbert had formerly been 
a steamboat commander. 

Griffin, Elder Thacker Vivian, a preacher of the 
"Christian" church, born 1800 — came to Dallas in 
1846 ; organized the first church of his denomina- 
tion in Dallas county at Hord's Ridge, and died 
in 1852 or '53. His only son died in the Confed- 
erate army. His only daughter, Ehzabeth A., is 
the [to this writer and his family especially]., 
esteemed wife of Dr. Albert A. Johnston. 

Gray, Andrew K. and Daniel H., came single. 

Green, Jones, came in 1845 ; his wife was Mary Elhs. 

Graham, Joseph, and family. 

Graham, Milton H., came single. 

Goar, John, and family; his daughter Matilda mar- 
ried Norvell R. Winniford. 

Grounds, Robert, and large family, came in 1845. 

Green, Mrs. Martha P., and family. 

Garvin, Thomas, came single. 

Howell, John and wife Parthena came in 1845 ; their 
children — Virginius, James, Hartwell (lost in the 
Confederate army), Lizzie (Mrs. John Wright), 



336 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Salome (Mrs. John M. Hervay), Charles, married 
Miss Thomas. 

HiCKLiN, Wm. J., and family came in 1845. He was 
killed out West. 

HORTON, Enoch, Sr., and family, from Russell coun- 
ty, Virginia, arrived November 29, 1844. 

HoRD, Wm. H., and wife Mary J. (nee Crockett) 
came from North Carolina 1845; their children, 
Thomas A., Ferdinand P., Mattie J. (Mrs. J. A. 
Crawford). 

Hunt, Edward W., came in 1846 ; first married Jane 
A. Thomas, second Olivia H. Winn. 

Hunt, John L., brother of E. W., came in 1846, went 
to California in 1849. 

Henry, J. Paul, Sr., married Miss Fletcher. 

Hambrick, N. M., and wife came in 1847. 

HoBBS, Wm. W., came in 1842, married Nancy Bee- 
man. 

HuiTT, John, and family came in 1843. 

HuiTT, Roland, brother of John, came in 1843. 

Hibert, J. B., came in 1845. 

Hetherington, John C, came in 1846; married 
Susan A. Drake. 

Hart, Abe, came in 1847; married Elizabeth Ray. 

Hill, Mrs. S. J., came in 1845. 

Houx, Nicholas, and family came in 1848. 

Houx, James M., and family. 

Harter, Henry, married Elizabeth Beeman. 

Harwood, Alex. M., and family, Tennesseeans, but 

last from Missouri, in 1844. The parents died at 

Harwood Springs, as did their son, N. B., and his 

wife, the parents of Wm. A. Harwood, formerly 

district clerk, now of Dimmitt county. 

Harwood, Alexander, (so long county clerk), who 
married Sarah Peak, He died July 31, 1885. Their 
Son, Ripley B., married Lucy Keller, and has a son 



Sixty Years In Texas. 337 

named Alexander. Their daughter, Juhet, is the 
wife of James J. Colhns. 

Henderson, John, married Malvina Kimbell. 

Hickman, Henry, married Elizabeth Newton. 

Hanby, J., married Susan Smith. 

HuTTON, V. J., and wife came in 1845 or '46. 

HUSTED, Harrison, and family came in 1845. 

HUSTED, James G., N. J., S. F. and others came sin- 
gle. 

Hargroeder, Mrs. Mary, and family, before July, 
1848. 

HOBBS, James, and family, before July, 1848. 

HOBBS, Wm. W., married Nancy Beeman. 

Hart, Jacob, and family, before July, 1848. 

HanNA, Amariah and family, before July, 1848. 

Harding, John M., and family, before July, 1848. 

Hughes, William, and family, before July, 1848. 

Halford, Jeremiah, and family, before 1848. 

Halford, J. W., came single. 

Henderson, Noah, and family. 

Hunnicut, Wm. C, and family, 1844. 

Hall, Jacob C, and family, before 1848. 

Hall, John, and family, before 1848. 

Hollow AY, Joseph H., before 1848. 

Hall, Henry H., came single, married Ander- 
son. 

Harris, John, and family, before 1848. 

Harris, William, came before 1848. 

Harris, Daniel, and family, before 1848. 

Haught, Adam C, from Illinois in 1845; married 
first Margaret Beeman, second Ruth Beeman. 

Haught, Peter, came in 1845; a soldier in Mexico; 
married S, J. Pruitt. 

Haught, Samuel A., came in 1845 ; a soldier in Mex- 
ico, and raised a large family. 

Jenkins, William, wife and children came from Mis- 
souri in 1845 — died in 1872; their children, Mary 



338 Sixty Years In Texas. 

A. married first James Collins, second A. M. Coch- 
ran; Lizzie married Eugene Lively; Hannah E. 
married Coany; Miron E. married Celeste Brown; 
Sarah married Chas. Fladger; Rufus Henry and 

. Willis L. 

Jackson, John, wife and children came from Mis- 
souri in 1846 ; their children were Andrew Sloan 
Jackson, a soldier in Mexico, married Elizabeth 
Dye ; William was a soldier in Mexico, came home 
sick and died September 12, 1848 ; James E. mar- 
ried Diana Davis; Good married Miss Thomas; 
George married Molly Nash; Ruth Ann married 
Wm. Chenault. 

KUHN, Anton, came in 1845 or '46 — the first black- 
smith in the town of Dallas. 

Keifer, Benj., came single. 

Keller, Samuel, and family came before July, 1848. 

KiMMFLL, Mrs. Catharine, and family came before 
July, 1848. 

KiMMELL, Philip, and family came before July, 1848. 

Kirk, John W., came single, before July, 1848. 

Kennedy, Mrs. Mary, and family came before July, 
1848. 

Keen, Wm. H., and family came before July, 1848. 

Keen, W. W., and family came before July, 1848. 

Keen, John S., married Olive S. Merrill. 

Keen, John W., married Nancy Turner. 

Kenison, Daniel W., came single, married Mary 
Horn. 

Larner, Wm., married Mary Jennings in Illinois — 
came in 1842 — raised a large family; both dead 
and children scattered. 

Leonard, George L., and family came from Tennes- 
see in 1843. (A portion of this family spell the 
name Lenard.) His children were George S. C, 
married Thomas Ella Crutchfield, and both dead ; 
Wm. M,, John R., Jackson L., married Mittie 



Sixty Years In Texas. 339 

Hearne, and both dead ; Samuel F., married Mattie 
Miller and is dead ; Washington C. ; Elizabeth, mar- 
ried John W. Wright; Mattie, and Joseph A., mar- 
ried Annie Jeffries. 

Long, Henry C, came single, married 

Lavender, Mrs. M. H., and family, from Illinois 
1845. 

Lavender, J. J., and wife Lucy A., came in 1846. 

Laughlin, J. Y., and wife Abby C. came in 1849. 

Laughlin, J. P., and wife came in 1849. 

Ledbetter, Oliver V., and wife Margaret came in 
1848. 

Ledbetter, W. H., came in 1846. 

Ledbetter, Rev. Arthur, married Elizabeth Pear- 
son, 

Lanier, John, and family came before 1846. 

Lanier, Archibald, son of John, married Lucy Hor- 
ton; Lucy married Enoch Horton. 

Lee, J. B., and family came before 1848; his chil- 
dren were William, Thomas, Lee and three daugh- 
ters. 

Lawrence, John P., married Fanny Coats. 

Lynch, John, Married Mahala Warner. 

Latimer, James W., founder of the Dallas Herald 
in 1849, came from Red River county in that year 
and died in 1859. He was a good writer — left a 
widow and several children, all or nearly all of 
whom are now dead. His parents came from 
Tennessee to Red River in 1834. His death was 
deplored as a loss to Dallas. 

Loving, James, and family came before July, 1848. 

Loving, Samuel P., came single. 

Leake, Anthony M., and family, before July, 1848. 

Lacey, Philemon, came single before July, 1848. 

Linney, Parry, and family, before July, 1848. 

LONGLEY, Thomas, and family, before July, 1848. 



340 Sixty Years In Texas. 

THE M'COMMAS family. 

Elder Amon McCommas, with his wife, nee Mary 
Brumfield, and children, came from Missouri in 
1844. He hailed from Virginia, stopping for re- 
pairs, successively, in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois and 
Missouri. Of his children, James B. married Miss 
Shields before coming; John (a soldier in the 
Mexican war) married in Dallas county Missouri 
Tucker; Elisha married Rhoda Ann Tucker; Wil- 
liam M. married Julia Tucker; Amon, Jr., mar- 
ried Nancy Seals; Stephen B. died a soldier in 
the City of Mexico, December 24, 1847 ; Rosa mar- 
ried Jesse Cox; Armilda married Benj. F. Flea- 
man ; Mary E. married John W. Herndon. 

McCommas, Stephen B., Sr., brother of Amon, came 
with his family. His son, Burke, died a soldier 
in the City of Mexico, about Christmas, 1847. Of 
his other children, Serena married Rufus Bennett, 
and of John I have no data. 

McCommas, John C, brother of Amon and Stephen, 
came with them married — was a soldier in Mexico, 
and did live in Young county. 

McCommas, Mrs. Lavinia, a sister-in-law of the three 
brothers, with her family, came with them. 

Moore, Benj. S., came single — married Martha 
Weatherford. 

Myers, William, and family came in 1843; his son 
Meredith married Miss Eddy. 

Mounts, Jesse V., and family, came in 1844: he 
commanded in the Grand Prairie skirmish in 1846. 

Mounts. Thomas A., married EHza J. Harmison. 

Mounts, George, died a soldier in the City of Mex- 
ico, December, 1847. 

Mounts, J. H. 

Minter, Rev. Green, came before 1846. 

McCants, Joshua, and family came before July, 
1845 — in Grand Prairie fight. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 341 

McDermett, J. B., came from Arkansas in 1847, 
his sister Lucy being of his family. Of his chil- 
dren, Mary M. married Joseph Parker; William 
A. married Addie Dye; Henrietta married John 
Tenison ; Cora M. married John C. McCoy ; Dr. 
David Porter married Talitha Smith, did live in 
Pilot Grove; Sam died in New Mexico; Josephine 
A. married Ulysses Matthews; Edward J. was 
killed in the naval battle of Mobile. 

Moon, Jesse and wife Mary J. came from Missouri 
in 1845; of their children, E. G. died at fifteen; 
Jesse in 1872; Julia married Ellis C. Thomas; 
Martha married Matt. J. Moore; Nancy E. mar- 
ried Joseph C. McConnell; W. Marion married 
Mrs. Mary J. Knight, nee Armstrong; Sarah J. 

Miller, Madison M., long a merchant at Pleasant 
Run, near Lancaster, came in 1846; he first mar- 
ried Mary Rawlins, second Emma A. Dewey. 

Miller, William B., wife and children came from 
Kentucky in 1847. By his first wife he had chil- 
dren, Charilaus (Crill), who married Miss Walk- 
er; Alonzo; Mattie married S. Frank Leonard; 
Molly married George W. Guess; Jennie married 
Chas. D. Kanady; Susan married Frank Robber- 
son (who died in 1867), and is now the wife of 
Dr. Jacob B. Ewing, of Dallas. By his present 
wife, Emma A. (formerly widow of Madison M. 
Miller, of Lancaster, and nee Emma A. Dewey), 
he has Minnie, wife of Philip B. Miller, Charles 
and Richard. 

Miller, James T., came single, a blacksmith; went 

to California. 
Miller, Stephen H., came single before July, 1848. 

Mathews, Ulysses, married Josephine A. McDer- 
mett. 

Moorman, John H., married Susan Hickman. 



342 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Markham, George, a soldier in Mexico, married 

Hannah Cox. 
MONEYHAM, James J., and family came in 1843; 

moved to Tarrant county, and finally left the 

State. 
MONEYHAM, Joseph William, and family came in 

1843; his son married and died at Letot; a daugh- 
ter married Taylor. 

Morris, Wm., and family came in 1844 — his chil- 
dren, James M., Samuel, L. D. and Preston W. 

died single — Melissa married Snyder Kennedy. 
MoONEY, James, came in 1845 — in Grand Prairie 

fight. 
Mitchell, John, came in 1845 — in Grand Prairie 

fight. 
Mathis, James, came in 1845 — in Grand Prairie 

fight. 
McCarny, Perry,and family came in 1846. 
Masters, Wm., and family came in 1846. 
Morris, Richard, young Englishman, came in 1848 

— died. 
McCrackin, Anson, and family came in 1845. 
May William C., and family. 
Merrill, Adolph G. M., came single. 
Merrill, David, and family came in 1844; among 

his children were Benjamin, Robert, Samuel and 

Eli. 

children of elder JOHN M. MYERS. 

Eliabeth married J. S. Bailey; Mary married Wil- 
liam Mosely; Martha married J. J. Stubbs; J. S. 
married M. V. Cooper; Douglas married Eugenia 
Hoffman ; G. F. married Ella Kennedy ; Letty mar- 
ried James McWhorter; Nancy married W. T. 
McKamy; Lewis married Miss Myers. 

Merrill, Elder Eli, and wife, Mary came in 1844; 
of their children, Julia married John W. Wright; 



Sixty Years In Texas. 343 

Cornelius married Margaret Dickinson; John M. 

married Sue Whitman; Thomas was murdered at 

Van Horn's Wells, near the Rio Grande ; and Geo. 

C. Merrill. 
Merrill, Charles D., and family. 
McCOMBS, Joshua, came single. 
McDowell, John, came single before July, 1848. 
Munden, Joseph, and family, before July, 1848. 
Metcalf, John J., and family came before July, 

1848 — a surveyor, and died in Palo Pinto county. 
Moore, James, came before July, 1848. 
Moore, Jesse and John T., came single before July, 

1848. 
Marks, Watts, and family, before July, 1848. 
Morse, Frederick, and family, before July, 1848. 
Manning, Mrs. Delilah, and family, before July, 

1848. 
Manning, Thomas G., came single before July, 1848. 
Manning, Andrew J., and family, before July, 1848. 
Mills, Edward, and family, before July, 1848. 
Mills, James, came single before July, 1848. 
Mills, John, came single before July, 1848. 
McDaniel, Aaron, came single before July, 1848. 
Newby, James, came single, married Mary Keenan. 
Neely, Charles, came single before July, 1848. 
Nix, John, came in 1846; his children, Margaret 

married Malone; D. H. to Mary Myers; 

Francis M. to Caroline Drake; Louisa to Lewis 

Cook; Sarah to W. J. Anderson; Daniel to Mary 

Fyke. 
Newton, Harvey H., and family, before July, 1848. 
Newton, Charles G., and family, before July, 1848. 
Newton, Samuel G., came at the same time — died 

in San Antonio. 
Narboe, three Norwegian brothers, came in 1845 — 

John P. and wife died ; Peter married Jane Robin- 



344 Sixty Years In Texas. 

son. Peter, Paul and John, single, went to Cali- 
fornia about 1850 or '51. 

Noble, John, came in 1845; in Grand Prairie fight. 

Nanny, Andrew T., came single in 1847, married 
Susan Ray; his children, Benj., Amos, Levy, Re- 
becca, and perhaps others. 

Norton, Daniel E., came single, married Margaret 
E. Strong. 

Nations, John W., came single, married Darcus 
Baugh. 

Overton, Aaron, and family came in 1844 

Overton, Caswell, and family came in 1844. 

Overton, John M., and family came in 1844. 

Overton, Wm. P., and John C. came single in 1844. 

O'GuiNN, Wm., and family came before July, 1848. 

O'GuiNN, Stephen C. and Leonidas, came single. 

Patrick, Callaway H. and wife, came to the county 
in 1846. He had been in it in 1841 with an Indian 
scout. He married Rhoda I., daughter of Abra- 
ham T. Smith, killed by Indians in Young county, 
1841. 

Phelps, Josiah Smith, came in 1845, and was a sur- 
veyor; in March, 1846, at Harwood Springs (Kle- 
burg) , this still being Nacogdoches county, he 
married Mrs. Melissa T. Jacobs, daughter of Alex. 
M. Harwood, Sr. ; she died about January, 1848, 
leaving an only infant child, "Dickey," now Mrs. 
Henry C. Miller, Azle P. O., Tarrant county. Mr. 
Phelps was killed by Indians April 9, 1848. 

Pancoast, Josiah, a soldier in the Grand Prairie 
fight and in Mexico, married Mary Ann Young; 
moved to San Antonio, reared seven daughters, 
and died there. He was a brother of the celebrat- 
ed medical author. Dr. Pancoast, of Philadelphia. 

Pearson, Wm. H., and family came in 1844. 

Pearson, Dudley F., a soldier in Mexico. 

POPPLEWELL, Simcoe, single. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 345 

PULLIAM, Wm. H., and family came in 1845. 

PULLIAM, Marshall S., single, came in 1845. 

PULLIAM, John L., single, came in 1845 — soldier in 
Mexico. 

Pruitt, William, and family. 

Pruitt, Martin, single. 

Parks, Elias C, came in 1845. 

Pruitt, Wm. A., married Elizabeth Freeman, 

Prigmore, Joseph, and family came in 1845. 

Prigmore, Benjamin J., came single in 1845, soldier 
in Mexico in his nineteenth year, married Lucy 
Jackson, and lives near Richardson. 

Parks, Alfred J., married Lydia A. Rawlins. 

Parker, Joseph, came from Shelby county, Texas, 
1848, married Mary McDermett and died in 1878, 
Their children are Theodore; Clementine, wife of 

Robert P. Toole, and Cora J. (Mittie) is Mrs. 

Littlefield. 

Perry, Mrs. Sarah, and family came 1844 or '45. 

Perry, Alexander W., and wife, nee Sarah Hoffman, 
came from Illinois in 1844; their children, Mar- 
garet married J. M. Smith; Harriet married 
Thomas Warner ; J. H. married Susan Poor ; W. F. 
married Amanda Cox; Carrie married Clinton 
Hoffman ; Lillie Dale married W. D. Fyke ; Rosey 
Ann married N. N. Butler. 

Perry, Weston, and family came in 1846 ; his chil- 
dren, Nancy was married to Page Blackwell, F. S. 
to Miss McCants, W. M, to Miss Blackwell, Re- 
becca to David Marsh, Caroline to John Jackson, 
Sarah to Wm. Rowe, Elizabeth to James Cox, Ellen 
to J. F. Fonts, Ann to Wm. Kennedy, Eveline to 
Preston Buchanan — Theodore, Commodore and 
John are dead — thirteen children and ten mar- 
ried. F. S., Caroline, Ellen, Rebecca, Sarah and 
Eveline are dead. 

Perry, Middleton, came in 1845, married in Illinois 



346 Sixty Years In Texas. 

a daughter of Thomas M. ElKs — raised a large 
family in Dallas county. 

Patterson, James M., from Warren county, Ken- 
tucky, in January, 1846; married Sarah E. Self; 
merchant from 1846 to '54; chief justice of the 
county, 1854 to '66; his children, Florence Belle 
is the wife of John Spellman; Kitty is the wife 
of Joseph Shuford; Charles L. is dead; James M. 
and Edward are single; Rowena is the wife of 
Thomas H. Patterson; Emma married M. Couch- 
man. 

Pryor, Dr. Samuel B., and young wife, from Virginia 
and last from Arkansas, came in 1846. His first 
child, Ashton R. (late poHce officer), was born in 
Dallas October 29, 1847. Dr. P. was district clerk 
from December, 1846, to August, 1850 — was the 
first mayor of Dallas, in 1856-'7, and died in 1867. 
His widow and other children reside in Southwest- 
ern Arkansas. 

Porter, John F., and family came before July, 1848. 

Porter, George R., came single. 

Paxton, Edwin H., came single before 1848. 

Pound, Bales O. C, came single before 1858. 

Pemberton, Gideon, came single before 1848. 

Roland, Joseph, and family came before July, 1848. 

RiCKETTS, Zedekiah, and family before 1848. 

RiCKETTS, Daniel D. and David M., single. 

Reed, Benjamin, and family, before 1848. 

Ramsey, Samuel, and family, before 1848. 

RUNYON, Silas R., and family, came before 1848. 

Reedy, David W., came in 1845; his wife, Mary E. 
, in 1844. 

THE RAWLINS FAMILY, FROM ILLINOIS. 

Rawlins, Elder Roderick, and wife Mary came in 
1844. Of their children, Louisa married Lewis 
Hull ; Nancy married Pleasant Taylor (now dead) ; 



Sixty Years In Texas. 347 

Pleasant King married Mrs. Lydia Spruance — he 
died June 6, 1887; Lucinda married Samuel Kel- 
ler; Tabitha married Carlos Wise; Mary married 

' M. M. Miller; Roderick A. (Capt. Aleck) married 
Virginia Bledsoe; Elder William married in Illi- 
nois. 

Rawlins, Pleasant K., as above ; his stepson, Thom- 
as Spruance, married Bettie Bledsoe; his son, A. 
H. Rawhns, married first Maggie Swindells, sec- 
ond Georgie Rogers; R. D. (Dod) married Hen- 
rietta Jacobs, is dead ; John S. married Mary Pea- 
cock; Lucy A, married Robert Brotherton, who 
died in 1866 or '67, and she is now the wife of 
Irvine Lavender; Mary E. married James Henry 
Elhs; Benj. S. died 'in 1863. 

Rawlins, Elder William, son of Elder Roderick, and 
family came in 1846. His children are Hubbard 
M., George, Allen, Frank, Malinda, Lucinda and 
Mrs. Richard T. Bandy. 

Rogers, Elijah, married Lourina Crowley. 

Robinson, John B., came before July, 1848. 

Robertson, Mrs. Elizabeth, and family, before July, 
1848. 

Robertson, Hugh, and family, before July, 1848. 

Robertson, Joseph M., came single before July, 
1848. 

Rhodes, Elisha L., and family, before July, 1848. 

Rhodes, Frederick, and family, before July, 1848. 

Ray, Robert, and family, came from Illinois in 1845. 
Of his children, all coming with him, Susan mar- 
ried Andrew T. Nanny and Mary married Benj. 
F. Andrews, both in illinois; William married Lu- 
cinda Hart; Elizabeth married Abe Hart; Re- 
becca married John H. Daniel, a soldier in the 
Mexican war ; Nancy married Timothy Caldwell ; 
Jane married Joseph Lockett ; of twin boys, Robert 
married Emiline McCommas and Samuel married 



348 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Miss White; Martha married James Kinchelow, 
who died a prisoner in Camp Douglas, Chicago — 
ten and all married. 

Ray, George M., came in 1846 from Tennessee. His 
wife Subrina, is now the widow of James Shep- 
pard, residing in Dallas with her stepdaughter, 
Mrs. E. A. (Dr. A. A.) Johnston. 

ROWE, Wm., and family, before July, 1848. 

ROWE, Wm. B., and family, before July, 1848. 

RowE, John M. and Wm. H., single, before July, 
1848. 

Riley, James R., and family, before July, 1848. 

Riley, Thomas, came single before July, 1848. 

Ramsey, Isaac, and family, before July, 1848. 

Romine, Wm., came single before July, 1848. 

Reedy, E. L., came single before July, 1848. 

Renfro, Creath, and family — removed to the fron- 
tier, where he and his son were killed by Indians 
in 1859 or '60. 

Ray, James, came single before July, 1848. 

Ream, Mrs. Sarah, and family, before July, 1848. 

Ream, Sylvester, came single before July, 1848. 

Roberts, Joel, and family, before July, 1848. 

Ramsey, Samuel, and family, before July, 1848. 

Rattan, Thomas, and family came from Illinois 1841 
— settled in Collin; of his children, Hamp, then 
of Bird's Fort, was killed by Indians, one and one- 
half miles southwest of Carrollton, Dallas county, 
Christmas day, 1841; Littleton; John died in Col- 
lin ; Mary married Wm. Fitzhugh ; Harriet mar- 
ried Andrew J. Witt, and died in Dallas ; Ann mar- 
ried James W. Throckmorton ; Hugh married a 
daughter of David Turner; Jennie married Mr. 
Moore and died in Collin ; Tollie married Robert 
Dowell and lives in Collin; Edward married Miss 
Stiff and lives in Collin; Louisa married Hogan 
Witt (cousin of Preston), of Colhn; Temperance 



Sixty Years In Texas. 349 

married John Kincaid ; Thomas Hves near Van 
Alstyne. 

Robinson, Wm., married Ann Matterson. 

Robinson, J. M., married Louisa Newton. 

Sheppard, Mrs. Subrina, daughter of Hugh Brown, 
of Georgia, came to Dallas the wife of George M. 
Ray, in 1846 ; her second husband was Elder 
Thacker V. Griffin, and she is now the widow of 
James Sheppard, residing with her stepdaughter, 
Mrs. E. A. (Dr. A. A.) Johnston — now dead. 

Smith, Patrick P., a soldier at Monterey in 1846 — 
son of Abraham T. Smith, who w^as killed by In- 
dians, on the Brazos, in 1841 — now dead. 

Shahan, David, and family came in 1844 or '45. 

Shahan, Wm. P., came single in 1844 of '45. 

Smith, Chilton, and family came in 1844 or '45. 

Sprowls, William, and family, from Illinois in 1844 
or '45. 

Samson, Dr. Jonathan L., came in 1845; visited Cal- 
ifornia and died. His widow married the late Mr. 
Bourgeois. 

Sharrock, James, and family, before 1848. 

Sharrock, Everard, and family before 1848, 

Sharrock, Everard, Jr., came single before 1848. 

Sharrock, George W., came single before 1848. 

Simmons, James A., and family, died early. 

Stewart, Samuel A., and family, before 1848. 

Sloan, Robert (a gallant and early Indian fighter) 
and family came from Red River county in 1844. 
He commanded a scouting party through Dallas 
county in 1840; died in Stephensville in 1886. 

Sloan, Samuel (brother of Robert) , came from Red 
River county in 1844 ; was a soldier in the Texian 
army of 1836. He now lives in Stephens county. 

Stewart, Wm. A., married Susan O. Harwood. 

Slayback, Anderson, married Lucinda Chapman. 

Stone, Thomas, married EHzabeth Ross. 



350 Sixty Years In Texas. 

SCROGGINS, Wm., married Lucretia Strong. 

Smith, Rev. James A., and family came from Mis- 
sissippi in 1846. [He, his twin brother, Wesley, 
now of Eastland county, and his brother William 
A., superintendent of the State Blind Asylum during 
the war, now dead, were all Methodist preachers, and 
each one, in the locality of his residence, from his 
ruddy complexion and bristly hair, was known by 
the soubriquet of ''Cedar Top" — by the way, three 
excellent and sincere men.] James A. Smith's chil- 
dren were John Wesley, married Miss Wilburn; 
Joshua Lafayette, married Miss Daniels — a cap- 
tain in Stone's Sixth Texas cavalry, murdered in 
Dallas in 1867 by Wilson, an attache of the Freed- 
men's bureau, who fled the country; Robert mar- 
ried Sophronia Wnn; Fanny Killen married John 
M. Laws, and is dead. 

Swing, Matt L., came in 1848. 

Snow, Wm. J., came single before 1848; married 
Eleanor Otwell. 

Snow, J. M., came from Arkansas in 1848. 

Stadden, Seth, and family from Illinois in 1846. 

Story, John L., before 1848. 

SCRUTCH. Nathan, single, before 1848. 

Story, Thomas C, single, before 1848. 

Starkey, Jesse S., before 1848. 

Simpson, Lionel, before 1848. 

Smith, Absolem, and family, before 1848. 

Snyder, John D., single, before 1848. 

SCURLOCK, John, and family, before 1848. 

Sewell, James M. and Thos. J., single, before 1848. 

Sweet, Levi J., and family, before 1848. 

Sage, Daniel, before 1848. 

Taylor, Pleasant, in Illinois married Nancy, daugh- 
ter of Elder Roderick Rawlins ; came in 1844 ; their 

children were Alonzo, Addie Paris, all dead ; , 

killed by a pet bear; living — Pleasant King, who 



Sixty Years In Texas. 351 

married Annie Collins, and Sophronia, wife of R. 
P. Aunspaugh; Alfred married Lizzie Green, now 
the wife of Frank M. Ervay. 

TuGGLE, Henry, married Minerva A. Biffle. 

Trees, Crawford, came in 1845. In 1846, married 
Annie M. Kimmel, being the first couple married 
in the new county in July or August, 1846, the 
record being destroyed. Her name is erroneously 
printed Henderson on a former page. 

Thomas, John (the first chief justice of Dallas coun- 
ty) , wife Hannah and children came from Mis- 
souri in 1844. Their children — John, died a sol- 
dier in Mexico; Alex. A., also a soldier in Mexico, 
marrfed Mary E. Armstrong; Ellis C. married 
Julia Moon; Elizabeth B. married Charles H. 
Durgin ; Eliza married Reese Jones ; Sarah A. mar- 
ried P. A. Sayre. 

Turner, Wm. A., came single before July, 1848, 
married Alinda Turner. 

TOLIVER, J. M., from Illinois in 1846. 

TiLLEY, Jefi:erson, came in 1844 — married Eliza Cole. 

Thompson, Marlin M., came in 1844; married Lucy 
Horton. 

Turner, Levi, and family, before 1848. 

Turner, Wm., and family, before 1848. 

Turner, Wm. (?), single, before 1848. 

Taylor, Calvin, single, before 1848. 

Trimble, Wm. C, single, before 1848. 

Tucker, John S., and family, before 1848. 

Vance, Thomas, and family, before 1848. 

Vance, John C, and family, before 1848. 

Vance, Charles K., and family, before 1848. 

Valentine, Henry K., and family, before 1848. 

Vernoy, Thomas, came single in 1845, married Julia 
A Bast and died early. 

Vernoy, Julia, married first — Bast and second Wm. 
James. 



352 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Vail, Hiram, came single, married Betsey Keenan. 

Weatherford, Jefferson and family, from Kentucky, 
but from Illinois in 1845. 

Weatherford, Money, and family, from Illinois in 
1845. 

Weatherford, Hairbird, single, from Illinois in 
1845. 

Wampler, Thos. J., and family, before 1848. 

Wampler, Valentine, and family, before 1848. 

Wampler, Martin J. S., Austin C. and Wm. R. came 
single. 

Walker, Wm. J., and family, from Tennessee 1846. 

Walker, A. G., from Kentucky 1845. 

Wilson, Richard, and family, before 1848. 

Wilson, Aaron B., and family, before 1848. 

Wilson, George, and family, from Missouri in 1840; 
from Lamar county in 1848. Among his children 
are Thomas, Charles, James K. P. and Nancy E., 
wife of James N. Whittenburg — was lieutenant 
colonel in Young's regiment at the close of the 
Mexican war. 

Williams, Thomas C., and family, from Tennessee 
in 1845. Among his children are T. J., J. B., E. 
A., M. J. and R. H. I am not responsible beyond 
the initials. 

Wright, John W., and family, before 1848. 

Wright, John W. (2) and family, before 1848. 

Wand, Henry, and family, before 1848. 

Wilburn, Robert, and family, came in 1845; in 
Grand Prairie fight. 

Wilburn, Edward, and family came in 1845. 

Wilburn, Hiram, and family came in 1845. 

Winn, Francis A., and family came in 1845 ; among 
his children were Berry; W. M. married Ann R. 
West; Emma married John R. West; Viola H. mar- 
ried Edward W. Hunt ; Helena married T. J. Winn. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 353 

West, James, and family, before 1848. 

Whitlock, John, and family, before 1849. 

West, Robert J., and family came in 1845; of his 
children, Ann R. married W. M. Winn; Helena 
married first T. J. Winn, second Dr. C. C. Gilles- 
pie ; Alice married Thomas H. Floyd ; John R. 
married Emma Winn ; Robert H. dead. 

Warner, John, came single before 1848. 
i--^ Webb, Alex. W., from Illinois to Bowie county in 
1840 — to Bird's Fort in 1841 — escaped when the 
Indians killed Rattan; settled with his family in 
Dallas county in 1842. 

the WITT brothers FROM ILLINOIS. 

Witt, Preston, came in 1842 — died in 1877 — his wid- 
ow lives in Kansas. 

Witt, Wade H., and family came in 1845. 

Witt, Andrew J., came in 1845; married Harriet 

Rattan — both dead. 
.Witt, Pleasant, twin of Preston, came in 1842, and 
is dead. 

Witt, Eli, and family, now over ninety, lives at San 
Antonio. 

Witt, John, came single. 

Wise, Carlos, came single before 1848 — married 

Tabitha Rawlins. 
Young, John, and family, came before 1848. 
Zachary, Mrs. Sarah, and two children came from 

Kentucky in 1845; her daughter married Henry 

C. Long and died early. 




SAMUEL B. PRYOR 



Samuel B. Pryor and young wife came from Virginia, and last from 
Arkansas. His first child, Ashton, was born in Dallas, Texas, October 
29, 1847. Dr. Pryor was District Clerk from December, 1846, to August, 
1850, and was the first Mayor of Dallas. 




J. M. CROCKETT 



J. M. Crockett and wife came from Tennessee in 1847. He was 
very prominent in the affairs of Dallas County in an early day. He was 
second mayor of Dallas and served three terms. He was elected in 1853 
as representative of Dallas county and served three terms until 1859, and 
served one term as Lieutenant-Governor from 1861 to 1863. 




ISAAC C. NAYLOR, 

Third Mayor of Dallas. 




JUDGE WM. M. HORD 



358 Sixty Years In Texas. 

JUDGE W. H. HORD 

W. H. Hord and his wife Mary J, Hord (nee 
Crockett), came from Tennessee in the fall of 1844, 
and arrived in Dallas County, Texas, on the 12th 
day of January, 1845, and settled on what is now 
called Oak Cliff, and Cedar Creek at that time. W. 
H. Hord was born April 5, 1809, in Staunton, Vir- 
ginia; Mary J. Crockett was born in Cheraw, S. C, 
April 10, 1812, moved to Tennessee and were mar- 
ried there in Troy, O'Bryen County. Left there for 
Texas in 1844, and arrived in Dallas County and set- 
tled on Cedar Creek on January 12, 1845. 

Children, Wm. Henry, T. A., John G., F. P., and 
Mattie J., who is now Mrs. J. A. Crawford. William 
Henry and J. G. and F. P. Hord are dead. 

W. H. Hord died in 1902, at the age of 92. 

Hord's Ridge, Cedar Springs and Dallas were 
candidates for the county seat of Dallas County. The 
election being held, Hord's Ridge received 13 votes 
less than Dallas; then Cedar Springs, being on the 
same side of the river with Dallas, withdrew, and 
the election was held again, and Dallas received the 
majority of 28 votes over Hord's Ridge. 

Mr. Hord was our second Chief Justice, and serv- 
ed from 1848 to 1850. He married the first couple 
after the county was organized. Their names were 
Crawford Treese and Annie M. Kimble. Judge Hord 
was a prominent and a popular man during his long 
live in Dallas, and was honored and respected by all 
who knew him. 



JOHN HUFFHINES 

John Huffhines was born in Kentucky in 1800, of 
German ancestry, and came to Texas in 1853. His 
wife, Elizabeth Wright, of New York, having four- 
teen children, all lived to be grown and married. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 359 

There are over one hundred grand children and great 
grand children too numerous to mention. Eight of 
them were in the Confederate Army — William and 
Phil, and Tom and Daniel Doty, P. B. Harris, and W. 
J. Halsell, lost three sons in law, were with Morgan 
and captured in the Ohio raid. George was killed at 
Chickamauga. Chris died in Louisiana. 

His daughters, Fannie married J. P. Saunders; 
Mary, Daniel Doty ; Elizabeth married W. J. Halsell ; 
Amanda, F. B. Harris; Cinderella, Henry Hatcher. 
Mr. John Huffhines, Sr., died March 15, 1875, his 
wife in 1886. 

The descendants and connections of John Huff- 
hines at this time will probably number nearly 500. 
The Huffhines were a kind of people to develop a 
new country. None of them ever aspired to office, 
and they did not try to bring themselves into public 
notice, neither did they spend much time in idle talk. 
They found here a new and wild country, untouched 
by the finger of man, and they converted it into a 
garden spot, and caused the wilderness to blossom as 
the rose. None of them ever held an office or ever 
asked for one ; and as far as I know not one of them 
was ever sued for debt, and all of that multitude of 
Huffhines were good for their promises. Such men 
are the stay and the strength and the backbone of 
our country, and when they came here they must 
have realized that they were a part of the advance 
guard going out in obedience to the command of God 
to subdue and replenish the earth, and they certainly 
have obeyed the command to the letter. 



CHARLES H. DURGIN 

Charles H. Durgin was an early arrival in the 
Republic of Texas, settling in 1842 in what is now 
Jefferson, Marion County, Texas. From there he 
went to San Antonio and came to Dallas in the 



360 Sixty Years In Texas. 

spring of 1844, where he at once opened a mercan- 
tile business, being one of the two business houses 
then operated in what is now known as Dallas. He 
continued in business for some four years, and as an 
adjunct of his business was appointed the first post- 
master of Dallas — about 1846. 

He went to New Haven, Conn., in 1852, for medi- 
cal treatment, and there died at the age of 33. 

The original post office letter case consisted of a 
piece of heavy duck, seemingly "homespun," and un- 
questionably home made, with a system of alpha- 
betically arranged and lettered pockets in which the 
mail was distributed and the entire outfit was hung 
upon the wall. This old letter case was, prior to the 
death of "Aunt Lizzie" — Mrs. Elizabeth B. Durgin 
— wife of the subject of this sketch, given by her to 
her grand-nephew, William Cochran, of the Registry 
Department, Dallas Post Office. 

Charles H. Durgin was born in Springfield, 
Massachusetts, in 1821, was educated in the city of 
his birth and Chicago, Illinois. He was married 
in Dallas County, in May, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth 
B. Thomas, their marriage license being the first to 
be issued in Dallas County. 

Mrs. Durgin's parents, John and Hannah 
(Andes) Thomas, were born respectively in Ten- 
nessee and Virginia, and were married in Sevier 
County, Tennessee. Her father, John Thomas, was 
elected to the office of Chief Justice when Dallas 
County was organized in 1846, and therefore the 
first Chief Justice. 

Wm. M. Cochran, a kinsman by marriage, being 
the first County Clerk of Dallas County. 

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Durgin owned at her death, 
and had lived for many years prior to her removal 
to Dallas, on part of the original headright patented 
to her father. She died recently. She only had one 
son, Charles, who died many years ago. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 361 

JOHN THOMAS 

John Thomas was born in Sevier County, Tennes- 
see, , and married Miss Hannah 

Andes, a Virginian by birth, their union being cele- 
brated in Seviersville, Sevier County, Tennessee. 
Isaac Thomas, father of John Thomas, being also a 
Tennesseean and a Revolutionary soldier as well as 
a participant in the early Indian wars. 

John Thomas took an active part in the war of 
1812 (second war with England), the Cherokee war, 
Black Hawk War, and the troubles with the Mormons 
or Latter Day Saints. 

In 1833 he settled in Independence, Jackson 
County, Missouri, living there until 1844, when he 
removed to what is now Dallas County, Texas. 

He took an active part in the political affairs of 
this section, and was elected the first Chief Justice 
of Dallas County, July, 1846, to August, 1848. He 
died in 1878, and his wife in 1875. 

Nine children were born to John and Hannah 
Andes Thomas, viz. : Cynthia A., wife of William 
Jenkins, both deceased; Henry, who died in Mis- 
souri about 1841 ; Ellis E., who died serving the Con- 
federacy in 1865 ; Alexander A., who died in Dallas 
County; Elizabeth B. (Mrs. Durgin), now dead; 
John T., who died in Mexico. He and his brother 
Alexander A. both being soldiers in the second war 
with Mexico; Jane, wife of Edward Hunt, died in 
Dallas in 1856; Sarah A., wife of F. A. Sayre of 
Bowie, Montague County, Texas; and Eliza Jones, 
who died in Johnson County, Texas, in June, 1883. 



COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON RECORD. 

Col. George Washington Record emigrated to 
Dallas County in 1853 from Marshall County, Ten- 
nessee, his birthplace. His father being a native of 



362 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Virginia, but moved to Tennessee at a very early 
day, and there died. The old homestead of Col. 
Record being situated some five miles northwest of 
Dallas, at what is commonly known as the "Record 
Crossing," on Elm Fork of the Trinity River. At 
this point he erected a mill, which for many years 
bore his name. 

Back in the old commonwealth of Tennessee he 
married Alice Amanda Hughes, sister of Wm. H. 
("Uncle Buck") Hughes. Of this union there lived 
to be grown the following children : John S., Alice, 
Joseph W., George Washington, Narcissus, Mary 
Ann, and Elizabeth Zulika. John A. now lives in 
Marshall, Texas. Alice is the widow of George Penn, 
Joseph W. died February 28th, 1896, George Wash- 
ington died about 1870, Narcissus C'Notty") mar- 
ried James Horn, of Dallas County, and died about 
1890, Mary Ann, now the wife of W. W. Weston, of 
Dallas, Elizabeth Zulika (Bettie) now the wife of 
John S. Corley, of Mexia, Texas. 

It should be stated in this connection that Col. 
George W. Record had by former marriage two 
daughters — Martha, who married George Laws, and 
Mary Ann, who married William Knight, all of 
whom are now dead. 



CLAYTON RODGERS 

A Tennesseean, came to Texas in 1847 
with his wife, Elizabeth Brooks Rodgers, and 
two children, Ralph and Mary Jane. They 
first settled in Grayson County, but did not 
remain there long; they made a wise choice 
and moved to the free State of Denton. I hope 
the reader will not think that I am making sport of 
Denton by calling her the free State. Far from it. 
It was there I spent the happiest part of my life. I 
have crossed it from side to side and from end to 



Sixty Years In Texas. 363 

end, and always found a welcome in every home, and 
it would be almost as hard for me to forget the lov- 
ing mother that bore me as to forget the kind and 
generous people of Denton County. It was there I 
spent the glorious days of youth, when all were free 
and happy, and I often think of and can never for- 
get the girls and boys and the good old days I spent 
with them in youth so long ago. 

But something beautiful has vanished 

And we sigh for it in vain; 
We behold it everywhere on the earth and in the air 

But it never comes again. — J. L. S. 



CLAYTON RODGERS 

Clayton Rodgers and family were the kind of 
people to build up a new country. They came from 
Tennessee. That alone stands for success. The 
Tennesseeans have done a great deal for Texas. Sam 
Houston came from Tennessee, and others like him 
brought grit and energy with them, and that is what 
it takes to develop a new country. That, with courage 
that never backs down, will accomplish wonders. 
Time has proven that the Rodgers family were pos- 
sessed of all these traits of character. Clayton Rod- 
gers and family settled near the head of Steward's 
Creek, about a mile from where the town of Frisco 
now stands, and there pre-empted land. The historic 
town of Stewardsville was situated near there, but 
like some of the ancient cities, there is no traces of 
it left, although once its name was known through- 
out the States, and in Europe, and its splendor was 
talked much of in England. But it proved to be all 
on paper except one cabin 10x12 ft. in extent. The 
Rodgers family came to Texas at a time when it tried 
men's souls. The oldest son, Ralph, did the milling 
for two years, and would ride horseback to Bonham 



364 Sixty Years In Texas. 

to mill when only eight years old — a distance of fifty 
miles, and the first crop they cultivated was twelve 
miles from their home. 

Clayton and Elizabeth Rodgers raised a family 
of seven children — four boys and three girls — whose 
names are as follows : Ralph, Mary Jane, Matthew, 
Maria Francis, Joe B., Tennie and I. S. They were 
all born here except the two oldest — Ralph and Mary 
Jane. The children grew up and married in the 
neighborhood they were raised in, and the descend- 
ants of this family now number one of the largest in 
North Texas, and are held in the highest esteem, 
many of them having held very responsible positions 
of honor and truth. Joe B. Rodgers is now serving 
his second term as treasurer of Collin County and 
Dr. I. S. is the present Mayor of Frisco and enjoying 
a very large and lucrative practice of medicine. They 
are more than an ordinary family, and have done 
much in developing and improving that part of the 
country. The oldest son, Ralph, enlisted in the Con- 
federate army and served throughout the entire war. 



WILLIAM B. MILLER 

A pioneer of Dallas County, was born in Madison 
County, Ky., in 1807, the second of seven children 
born to John and Mary Brown Miller, natives of 
Kentucky. Mr. Miller was reared to farm life, and 
educated in the public schools of Madison County, 
Alabama, and at the Academy at Huntsville. In 
1847, he moved to Dallas County and settled in Pre- 
cinct No. 1, near Dallas, and from that time to the 
time of his death he ranked as one of the foremost 
and most honorable citizens of Dallas County. He 
lived to be a very old man. He departed this life 
not many years ago. He was married in 1828 to 
Elizabeth Waddy, also a native of Kentucky, whose 
ancestry on one side is traceable back to the Chero- 



Sixty Years In Texas. 365 

kee Indians. By this marriage there was one child, 
Charilans, who did reside in the Cherokee Nation 
and was a neighbor of my Bro. Wilham. Charilans is 
now dead. He was a gallant colonel in the Confeder- 
ate army from Texas. He was familiarly known as 
Crill. Mr. Miller, Sr., the subject of our sketch, 
married Minerva Barnes, also a native of Madison 
County, Ky., and daughter of Jesse and Patsy Oden 
Barnes, natives of Kentucky. This Mrs. Miller died 
in 1856, after having had five children ; Alonzo, who 
died in 1855 ; Martha, wife of W. C. Leonard, of 
Kaufman county ; Mary, wife of G. W. Guess ; Eliza- 
beth, who married John Edmondson, now dead, and 
Susan, who married Dr. Ewing, of Dallas, 
is now dead. Mr. Miller married again in 1860 
to Mrs. Emma Miller, widow of Madison M. 
Miller, and daughter of- Silas H. and Amy 
Spencer Dewey, natives of New York. The 
grandmother Dewey, previously Miss Hyde, was a 
grandaughter of Lord Chancellor Hyde. Silas H. 
Dewey came to Texas in 1855. He died near Bloom- 
field, Mo., in 1867. His wife died in Grayson Co., 
Texas, in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had three 
children, viz. : Chas., J. H. and Minnie. The latter 
is the wife of Barry Miller of Dallas. 



REV. WILLIAM ALLEN 

Rev. Wm. Allen was born in Barren County, 
Kentucky, March 18th, 1834, and died recently at 
Frisco, Collin County, Texas. He was a methodist 
preacher, and has lived a life of usefulness. He was 
prominent and practical and the friend of saint and 
sinner, and was held in high esteem by all who knew 
him. He came to Texas in 1855, and was licensed to 
preach in 1860. He was stationed at Sabine Pass, 
on the Gulf, in 1862. He joined the Confederate 
Army and was soon promoted to military chaplain. 



366 Sixty Years In Texas. 

and continued until the close of the war. Bro. Allen 
was not only an able and consecrated preacher of 
the gospel of Christ, but he was also an educator, 
and taught school for many years, and many of the 
young men of Collin and Denton County are indebt- 
ed to him for their education, and quite a number 
of Methodist preachers were educated under him. 
He taught school in the west part of Collin County 
for fourteen years. On June 7, 1866, he married 
Miss Abbie Mays, daughter of Dr. R. B. and Nancy 
Mays, and settled just in the edge of Denton County, 
where he hved until 1904, when he moved to the new 
town of Frisco. They never had any children, but 
raised several orphans. His good wife and a num- 
ber of his brothers and sisters that live in Kentucky, 
and Mrs. A. B, Mayes of McKinney, Texas, survive 
him. Bro. Allen was ele.cted to the State Senate and 
served for four years. He was a very close student 
and VvTote a great deal. His contributions to the 
papers were always readable and full of well-devel- 
oped thought. He was also quite an- author, and 
wrote several books, "Five Years In the West," 
"Southland," "Columbia," "Matter, Man and Spirit," 
and the "Life and Times of John B. Denton." These 
books were well written and are found in the libra- 
ries and homes of many people. Bro. Allen, by econ- 
omy and good investments, had accumulated a large 
estate and was very liberal and gave in the last three 
years before his death to various institutions the 
sum of $10,000. He gave $5,000 to Southwestern 
University, $500 to foreign missions, $500 to the 
Methodist Orphanage, $500 to Ann Browder Mission 
Home in Dallas, $500 to the Methodist Dormitory in 
Denton. The chapel of that institution is named 
in honor of him. He gave $1,000 to superannuated 
Homes. Bro. Allen stood out boldly for the up- 
building of everything that was for the good of 



Sixty Years In Texas. 367 

humanity. The great influence for good of this use- 
ful and noble man of God cannot be measured now; 
it will go on and on down through the ages, and may 
be known in the great and final day of reckoning. 
Bro. Allen has willed most of his magnificent estate 
to the University of Georgetown, amounting to about 
$100,000, after the death of his wife to be known as 
the WiHiam and Abbie Allen Helping Fund, to be 
used toward educating the poor. This man was his 
brother's keeper, and did much to cause others to 
live better lives, and it is certainly a blessed thing 
when the messenger of death shall come to be able 
to look back over a useful and well-spent life, as did 
our departed brother. 



E. A. GRACEY 

A prominent and prosperous Dallas County farm- 
er, was born in Bond County, Illinois, March 13th, 
1837, the youngest son of eleven children of William 
and Isabella M. (Harris) Gracey, natives of South 
Carolina, of Scotch and Irish degcent, and pioneer 
settlers of Illinois. At the age of 13 years Mr. 
Gracey came to Texas by v>^ay of steamboat to New 
Orleans, and thence up Red River to Jefferson, Tex- 
as, and walked nearly 200 miles to Dallas County. 
He went to work immediately, finding employment 
with J. M. Crockett at $12.00 per month. He worked 
for him a few months, and then went to work for 
his brother in Ellis, now Johnson, County, helping 
him to improve his farm. In the fall of 1854 he 
Vv^ent with M. T. Johnson, after whom Johnson Coun- 
ty was named, and Capt. Robert Sloan. He went to 
Ft. Belknap, as a prospector for the Texas & Pacific 
Railroad Company. From that time to 1860 he was 
engaged in the live stock business. 

The Indians had become very troublesome, and 
had committed many depredations. They had been 



368 Sixty Years In Texas. 

stealing horses and killing people and scalping them 
in the counties further west. Mr. Gracey then joined 
a party of rangers, and was in many Indian fights. 
In one fight they killed one Indian and captured 
two, and nine horses, and thirteen at another time. 
After a year thus engaged the Civil War broke out, 
and Mr. Gracey enlisted in Company H, Captain J. 
B. Barry, of the First Texas Calvary, Colonel H. E. 
McCullough commanding. They took the first line 
of post vacated by the United States forces on the 
frontier of Texas. He was also at Camp Cooper 
when surrendered to the Confederates, and remained 
there until April, 1862, 'during which time they were 
in eight engagements with Indians, killing seventeen 
and captured 47 head of horses, and having four men 
killed and thirteen wounded, besides two mortally 
frightened — at least, they were never heard of after- 
wards. In April, 1862, the company was reorgan- 
ized, and Mr. Gracey elected Second Lieutenant. 
They were then ordered to the Rio Grande to hold 
the Mexicans in check, and at one time they were 
without bread for twenty-four days. They were 
sent with a detachment into Mexico to buy mules for 
the Confederate Government. They purchased 60 
head near Monterey for $7.00 per head. 

Next they were sent to Corpus Christi and Goliad 
and Sabine Pass. At the latter place they had a 
battle with the Federal troops, and captured two 
gunboats and 160 prisoners. Here Mr. Gracey was 
promoted to First Lieutenant. After this they went 
to Louisiana, and were in several engagements, and 
were at Keechie, Louisiana, at the time of the sur- 
render. He then returned to Dallas County. 

He married Miss Martha Amanda Matlock. They 
have raised a large family. Fourteen children were 
born to them, five of them dying in infancy. 

Mr. Gracey is an elder in the Presbyterian 



Sixty Years In Texas. 369 

Church, and is a Christian gentleman. He and his 
family are highly respected by all who know them. 
Mr. Gracey is a self-made man. His prosperity is 
due to his energy and industry and well directed 
effort. 



CAPTAIN JEFFERSON PEAK 

Jefferson Peak was born in Scott County, Ky., 
April 1, 1801. In 1825 he married Martha M. 
Reason. War being declared with Mexico in 1846. 
he raised a company of Kentucky cavalry. March- 
ing overland, they joined General Zachary Taylor's 
army, near the Rio Grande, and remained with him 
throughout his campaign in Northern Mexico. After 
peace was declared. Captain Peak returned to Ken- 
tucky, where the company was disbanded. He was 
then elected to the Kentucky Legislature as a Whig. 
At this period he became interested in stamboating, 
owning and operating several steamboats which 
plied between Louisville and Cincinnati. 

Between 1850 and 1854 he made several trips 
to Texas, overland, bringing with him his three old- 
est sons (Dr. C. M. Peak, locating in Fort Worth, 
while it was yet but a military post; Wallace and 
Jefferson, Jr., locating in Dallas). In 1855 Captain 
Peak brought the remainder of his family (consist- 
ing of his wife, three sons, Junius, Worth and vic- 
tor, and three daughters, Sarah, Juliette and Flor- 
ence) , to Dallas and built near the present intersec- 
tion of Peak Avenue and Worth Street, the first 
brick house erected in Dallas County. From 1857 
to v*^ithin a few years of his death. Captain Peak 
was engaged in the mercantile business. 

Always a firm believer in a great future for Dal- 
las, he invested largely in local realty. Both Cap- 
tain and Mrs. Peak were devoted members of the 



370 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Christian Church. The death of Captain Peak oc- 
curred in 1885 ; that of his wife in 1890. 

Of their children five are now Kving: Three 
sons — Junius, Worth and Victor; and two daugh- 
ters, Mrs. Sarah A. Harwood, widow of the late Cap- 
tain Alex. Harwood, and Mrs. Florence C. Field. 
All these reside in Dallas. 



THE MILITARY ROAD 

This road was blazed out through the timber and 
staked through the prairie in 1840 by Col. Wm. G. 
Cooke. Provisions had been made by Congress at 
Austin in 1840 for the opening of a military road 
from Austin to Red River, or the mouth of the Kiam- 
ishi in Red River County. The entire route lay 
outside of the settlements, it being approximately a 
direct line from Austin to Bonham, then known as 
Fort Inglish, the home of a worthy pioneer named 
Bailey Inglish. Col. Cooke lost five of his men at 
one time they having been killed by Indians, and the 
entire expedition was one of peril and hardship. 

"The northern initial point of this road was the 
mouth of Kiamishi Creek, on Red river, in Rea River 
County; thence it ran southwesterly, passing at or 
near where Paris stands; thence nine or ten miles 
west of the present town of Greenville; thence to 
what was aftervv^ards known as "McKenzie's," and 
later as "Barnes,' " ferry, on the East fork of Trin- 
ity; thence to the present county road crossing on 
White Rock, four miles east of Dallas ; thence to the 
Trinity near where the Santa Fe railway crosses, a 
little below Dallas; and thence by the Waco village 
and fort, on Little River, to Austin, an entire dis- 
tance of about three hundred and sixty miles. It 
was "staked" through the prairies and "blazed" 
through timber, but not opened through timber and 



Sixty Years In Texas. 371 

timbered bottoms till 1843, and then only to the 
Trinity from the north, when, a few settlers having 
located where Dallas is, it was deflected from White 
Rock so as to cross the river at that point and fall 
on the marked line a little beyond. But the changes 
in the country, by immigration in the next few years, 
were such as to supersede portions of the road and 
eclipse its original national intendment, insomuch 
that many persons now living who came to the coun- 
try but a little later are unaware of or have for- 
gotten its origin and character. 

"On the 14th of November, 1840, from his camp 
at Inglish's, on the Bois d'Arc, Col. Cooke officially 
reported all the facts herein recited, up to that date, 
to Branch T. Archer, Secretary of War, and has 
been carefully followed in this narration. In it he 
says that he had selected an eligible location for a 
post, at which to store supplies and station men for 
the protection of the Red River settlements against 
the Indians. 

"The point finally chosen, and at which barracks 
were immediately erected, but not occupied or gar- 
risoned, was at or in the immediate vicinity of the 
present town of Denison, a few miles below Coffee's 
trading house ♦on Red River. In May, 1841, the 
Village Creek expedition, in which Denton was 
killed, halted on the outward trip, for two or three 
days, at these barracks, and on the return trip dis- 
banded at the same pla,ce." 



THE SHERIFFS OF DALLAS COUNTY 

First sheriff, John Huitt, 1846 to 1848. 
Roland Huitt, second, 1848 to 1850. 
T. C. Hawpe, 1850 to 1854, two terms; Adam C. 
Haught, 1854 to 1856. 

B. M. Henderson, 1856 to 1858. He was killed in 



372 Sixty Years In Texas. 

Denver while under guard by the Federal soldiers. 
1861. Wormley Carter, 1858 to 1860. 

Allen Beard, 1860 to 1862. 

N. 0. McAdams, 1862 to 1866, two terms. 

Jerry M. Brown, 1866 to 1867; the officers were 
removed and others appointed by the military. 

N. R. Winniford served until 1870, sheriff, Jerry 
Brown, 1870 to 1872 ; James E. Barkley sheriff 1873 
to 1876; Marion Moon to 1878; Marion Moon re- 
elected to 1880. 

Ben Jones, 1880 to 1882. 

William H. W. Smith, 1882 to 1886, two terms. 

W. H. Lewis, 1886 to 1892, three terms. 

Ben Cabell, 1892 to 1900; resigned in April. 

Lee Hughes elected by the County Commissioners 
to serve unexpired term. 

J. Roll Johnson elected and served two terms 
until 1904. 

Next A. L. Ledbetter ; he is now in office. 



DISTRICT CLERKS OF DALLAS COUNTY 

1846 to 1848— first District Clerk, John C. Mc- 
Coy, resigned. Sam Pryor appointed. 

Samuel B. Pryor re-elected to 1850. 

Edward C. Browder, 1850 to 1864, seven terms. 

George W. Laws, elected 1864 to 1866. 

Wm. C. Young, elected 1866 to 1868. 

District Clerk appointed by the military, E. B. 
Spellman, superseded by Ben Long June 2, 1868. 
Served until 1870. 

District and County Clerk, J. M. Laws, 1870 to 
1872. 

Alex Harwood, District and County Clerk, 1872 
to 1876. 

1876 to 1880, Wm. A. Harwood. 

Wm. A. Harwood from 1880 to 1882. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 373 

Henry W. Jones, 1882 to 1888, three terms. 

Joe H. Stewart, 1888 to 1896, four terms. 

Henry W. Jones, 1896 to 1904, four terms, eight 
years. 

A. B. Rawhns, 1904 to 1906. 

H. H. Williams, 1906 to 1908 ; and is now nomi- 
nated for another term. 



THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF DALLAS 

Have been an important factor in building up the 
City of Dallas. 

Twenty-five years ago, when I moved to Dallas 
for the purpose of giving my children better school 
advantages, the public school system was very im- 
perfect, and I sent my children to a private school. 
Since that time the public school system has very 
much improved, and of late years the schools have 
been very well managed, until the public school sys- 
tem of Dallas is almost perfect. The capable and 
efficient management of our last Superintendent, 
Prof. J. L. Long, has done much for the public 
schools. Professors Harris, Hand and Stanberry 
all did their part in building up the public schools of 
Dallas and making them what they are to-day. 

In 1886 there were no brick public school houses 
in the city. At that time East Dallas was a separate 
corporation, and we had no school house. The East 
Dallas city council at that time consisted of eight 
aldermen and the mayor. I and two other aldermen 
were in favor of building a brick school house, and 
a good one, for East Dallas, and the mayor was with 
us, but we had five aldermen to fight, and we had to 
watch our chances, and that chance came when two 
of the opposition v/ere absent, and I brought the 
question up, and it resulted in a tie vote, and the 
mayor decided it in our favor, and before the next 



374 Sixty Years In Texas. 

meeting we persuaded one of the opposition to come 
across. The opposition was such it was a long time 
before we could secure a quorum to do business, and 
we had to adjourn from time to time. We at last 
got tired of it and adjourned to meet at the house of 
one of the opposition a few minutes later, that claim- 
ed he was sick, and after transacting some business 
we brought up the school house question, and the 
sick alderman dashed out of the door and hollowed 
back, "'No quorum!" but the mayor decided differ- 
ently. The opposition wanted to build three or four 
small wooden houses. The brick school house that 
stands upon solid rock at the corner of Gaston and 
College Avenue is the result of our labors, and is a 
thing of beauty and a joy forever, and that was the 
first public brick school house built in the city of 
Dallas. It was built in the year 1886. In 1888 Dal- 
las proper followed by building the Oak Grove and 
the Cumberland Hill school houses, and in 1890 the 
McKinney Avenue and Cedar Lawn school houses 
were built. We now have seventeen large brick 
school houses in the city, and a very large and ele- 
gant up to date brick for the high school, and the 
competent and efficient principal, Joseph Morgan, 
has charge of it, and has served the public for many 
years. ' 

G. W. Crutcher was mayor of East Dallas in 
1886, and the following named aldermen were in 
office : S. P. Bird, H. N. Haskell, T. J. Murnene, T. 
G. O'Riley, F. Ganser, Chas. Wood, George Jackson 
and J. T. Farrell were aldermen when the first brick 
school house was built in Dallas. 

The old high school property was bought in 1887. 

Our well conducted public schools have brought 
many people to Dallas from other small towns and 
from the country. We now have nine months 
school, from September 1st to June, and the gradu- 



Sixty Years In Texas. 375 

ates of the High School are able to get first class 
certificates to teach in any of the common schools of 
the country. 



THE TEXAS STATE FAIR 

The Texas State Fair, that has been held annual- 
ly at Dallas for 23 years, has a history that only a 
few people know. The following is a portion of the 
unwritten history of the Texas State Fair: 

It may be a matter of news to many of the pres- 
ent citizens of Dallas, but it is a fact, nevertheless, 
that when this fair opened its gates in 1886 it owed 
$150,000, and that this sum was carried on the per- 
sonal notes of a few men who now live in this city. 
It is also a fact that this debt was carried for many 
years, and, in fact, until these gentlemen were en- 
abled to bond the grounds in 1892 for $100,000, 
which was all they could get at that time, and in 
order to effect this negotiation they were forced to 
take themselves second mortgage bonds on the fair 
grounds for $50,000, every cent of which they freely 
gave up and lost in order, subsequently, to save the 
fair. 

The first eighty acres of land this fair ever owned 
was purchased by one of these same gentlemen from 
three different owners, and for which he was com- 
pelled to pay the cash, and after doing this he deeded 
it in fee simple to the fair, taking its stock for pay, 
and every dollar of this stock was afterwards given 
up and lost in the troubles of 1892; but he is not 
alone in this, for every one of the above gentlemen 
has donated in the past sixteen years not less than 
$10,000 to this fair, besides giving his services free 
to keep it going until it could get on its feet; and 
last, but not least, not one of these men, nor any 
other man, to-day owns more than ten shares of 



376 Sixty Years In Texas. 

stock in this present corporation, which now owns 
and controls the Texas Stats Fair. 

The $100,000 bonds which were placed on the fair 
grounds in 1892 bore 9 per cent, interest, payable 
semi-annually, which, at that time, was not consider- 
ed high. Twenty-eight thousand dollars of the above 
$100,000 was taken and paid for in full by these 
same gentlemen named above ; the other $72,000 was 
sold to an English syndicate. From 1892 to 1900 
these same gentlemen through all the dark days of 
adversity that hung over the city of Dallas like a 
funeral pall, stayed by and labored to keep the fair 
in operation. Each year, to create a fund with which 
to open the fair, they borrowed $10,000 on their per- 
sonal notes and pledged their credit and responsi- 
bility for the premiums, purses and expenses, 
amounting to $60,000 each year. On three different 
occasions during this period, owing to hard times 
and rainy Vv^eather, destructions of buildings by fire 
and other calamities, the fair did not earn enough 
money to pay its premiums and debts, and but for the 
generous aid tendered by the citizens of Dallas and 
the railways and other public institutions of the city, 
the fair must have gone into the past ; but it seemed 
that when everything was gloomy, every avenue was 
shut up and the fair was in the balance, tottering to- 
wards its end, some opening appeared, and by some 
way or other the fair was kept on, and has increased 
in interest for many years, and has attracted great 
multitudes of people, not only from our own great 
State, but from many other States, and an increas- 
ing interest taken in it from year to year; and the 
year 1908 will be a Fair of such magnitude in every 
department it will be without a parallel in the United 
States. 

Th3 Agriculture and Manufacturing Building 
has a space of 294x376 feet, or more than 2i ■> acres. 



Sixty Years In Texas. 377 

Our Fine Arts and Ladies' Textile Building is 
125 feet square, handsomely built of cement stone 
and covered with glass domes some 50 feet in height. 
The Ladies' Textile Division covers an area more 
than double what it did last year. The new steel 
Grand Stand, after the latest model, is 300x64 feet, 
with a seating capacity of 5500. 

Our Implement and Vehicle Department, the 
building is 200x500 feet. Vast sums of money have 
been spent in improvements for the year 1908, and 
it now enjoys the reputation of not having a parallel 
in the whole history of fairs, and each entertain- 
ment grows better, and the people of Texas are proud 
of the great State Fair at Dallas. 



DALLAS COUNTY PIONEER 
ASSOCIATION 

Has met annually since the year 1875, but the 
members that composed the Association at that time, 
most of them, have passed over the River, and gone 
to their reward, and others have taken their places. 
This meeting is an annual event that is looked for- 
ward to with pleasure, and the old pioneers that are 
left still love to talk about the good old days of the 
pioneer, although many hardships were endured and 
they still claim thhat they enjoyed life then as well 
as now, and we have all the comforts of life. All 
men then seemed to be honest, and they trusted each 
other like brothers. 

The sons and daughters and grand children of 
those old pioneers are still taking a great interest in 
the Old Pioneers Association. All of the officers of 
the first organization are novv^ dead except probably 
three or four. The following are the names of the 
officers : 

When the Association was organized, July 13th, 



378 Sixty Years In Texas. 

1875, for temporary organization, W. H. Witt, Presi- 
dent; I. B. Webb, Vice, deceased; M. V. Cole Secre- 
tary, deceased ; a constitution was adopted and 115 
members enrolled. John C. McCoy elected Presi 
dent, I. B. Webb, William H. Hord, Mrs. Elizabeth 
B. Durgin, Mrs. Nancy J. Cochran, Vice-Presidents, 
all now dead; Edward C. Browder (now dead). Sec- 
retary ; John W. Smith, Treasurer ; Elder Amos Mc- 
Commas (now dead), Chaplain; Executive Commit- 
tee, John M. Crockett (now dead), John H. Cochran, 
Elizabeth B. Durgin (now dead), Mrs. Martha Bee- 
man, Mrs. Fanny Laws (now dead), Mrs. Thomas 
Ellis, William B. Elam and R. Alexander Rawlins, 
John Henry Brown (now dead). 



BIRD'S FORT 



In the fall and winter of 1840-41 the fort, since 
known at Bird's Fort, about twenty-two miles west- 
erly from Dallas, on the north side of the Main or 
West fork of the Trinity, was built by a company of 
three months Rangers, under Capt. John Bird, all 
residents of Bowie and Red River Counties. They 
soon returned home and left the post unoccupied. 
Not far from the same time, but the precise date is 
unknown, Robert Sloan, in command of a detach- 
ment from a company of "minute" men in Red River 
County, made a hasty scout through this country, 
and Mobile here one of the men, named David Clubb. 
formerly of Illinois and a soldier in the Black Hawk 
War, of 1832, was killed by Indians at a small lake 
on the Elm fork of the Trinity, a short distance 
above its mouth and below the Keenan crossing. It 
has been erroneously said that this man's name was 
Samuel Clubb, and that he was killed on the east 
side of White Rock Creek. Sloan was not the cap- 
tain of the Red River company, but a leader of one 



Sixty Years In Texas. 379 

of the squads into which it was divided for alternate 
scouting purposes. 

In the fall of 1841 the families of Hamp Rattan 
and Capt. Mabel Gilbert, with a few men, reached 
Bird's Fort, and a little later the family of John 
Beeman. Late in November, 1841, a wagon was 
sent back to Red River for provisions. It stayed so 
long that three men were sent to find and assist it, 
if necessary. These men were Alex W. Webb (did 
live near Mesquite, in Dallas County), Solomon Silk- 
wood and Hamp Rattan. On the east side of Elm 
Fork, about a mile and a half southwest of where 
Carrollton is, while cutting down a large ash tree to 
get the honey found to be in it, and on Christmas 
Day, 1841, Rattan was killed by a small party of 
concealed Indians. Webb and Silkvx^ood killed one 
Indian and escaped to reach the Fort. The snow 
was six inches deep. It was intensely cold, and so 
remained for several days. Silkwood, from the ex- 
posure endured, sickened and died. A single man 
was again started to meet the relief wagon. He 
succeeded, and on the 30th, five days after the kill- 
ing, the wagon reached the scene. The body of 
Rattan was still guarded by his faithful dog. The 
remains Vv^ere conveyed to the Fort, and there, in a 
rude coffin made of an old wagon body, committed to 
the earth. His brothers, John and Liddleton Rattan, 
had been in the fight of Village Creek, in the pre- 
vious May or June, when Denton was killed. He was 
also a brother of Mrs. A. J. Witt, deceased, of Dal- 
las County, and Mrs. J. W. Throckmorton and Mrs. 
Wm. Fitzhugh, of Collin. He was a neighbor in 
Illinois of our esteemed old fellow-citizen and pio- 
neer of Dallas County, Elder John M. Myers, of 
Carrollton, (so near the spot where he was killed), 
who assures me that he was a worthy man. 



380 Sixty Years In Texas. 

RICHARDSON 

This village is twelve miles north and a little east 
of Dallas, on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad. 
It was established in 1872, near the old town of Back- 
enridge, that flourished in ante bellum days. There 
is no richer body of land in America than the country 
that surrounds Richardson. The town is small, prob- 
ably five or six hundred. It is too near Dallas to 
grow into a very large place. The citizens are en- 
terprising and abreast of the times. They have one 
of the best schools in that section of the country. 
The farmers are thrifty, and Richardson is a great 
grain and cotton shipping point. Considering its 
population it is one of the best towns in the country 
for business and enterprise, and the farmers around 
Richardson are well fixed, comfortable houses and 
well improved farms. 



CARROLLTON 

Is a thriving little town, situated fourteen miles 
north and a little west of Dallas, and is on the M., 
K. and T. Railroad, or what was first known as the 
Dallas and Wichita Railroad. Later the Cotton Belt 
Railroad crossed the M., K. & T. Railroad at that 
place, and still later the Frisco entered Carrollton, 
and has been extended to Irving and connected with 
the Rock Island. This gives Carrollton an outlet in 
six different directions. 

Carrollton has become a good shipping point, and 
has two large brick plants, and an excellent quality 
of brick is manufactured at that place. My old farm 
was situated near Carrollton, and in the pasture 
nearest the town the land seemed to be worthless. 
The shale came to the top of the ground, and no 
grass would grow on it. At that place now there is 



Sixty Years In Texas. 381 

a very large brick plant, and the land is more val- 
uable than any other part of the farm. 



GARLAND 



Among the most prominent towns in the county 
outside of the City of Dallas is Garland. It is sit- 
uated about seventeen miles northeast from the City 
of Dallas, on Duck Creek, at the junction of the M., 
K, & T. and the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroads, 
and near the site of the old town of Duck Creek. In 
1886 the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad was lo- 
cated and run about a mile east of the town on 
Duck Creek, and a town sprung up at that place, 
and was named Embree, after the name of one of 
the leading physicians, and when the Missouri, Kan- 
sas & Texas road located a line and run near Embree 
another town sprung up, and there was quite a rival- 
ry between the two towns. Duck Creek and Embree, 
but it was finally consolidated into one town and 
named Garland, and the bad feeling that existed at 
one time has disappeared, and the citizens of Gar- 
land all work together and are proud of the town, and 
it has become a noted place, and has grown rapidly. 

Garland is noted for her liberality. They often 
have barbecues and picnics and great political gath- 
erings there, and the multitudes that attend are al- 
ways loud in their praises of the hearty welcomes 
and the great hberality shown by the people. It has 
most of the conveniences of the larger cities and is 
surrounded by one of the richest sections in the 
country. Garland has good churches and schools, 
and the people seem to be happy and contented. The 
farms are well improved with comfortable farm 
houses, and most of them are clear of debt and are 
independent. 



382 Sixty Years In Texas. 

CEDAR HILL 

This place took its name from the cedar brakes 
on Mountain Creek, which runs a short distance from 
the town. It is the second oldest town in the county, 
coming next to Dallas. Farmers Branch was more 
of an important place than either in the early days, 
but did not develop into much of a town until recent 
years. Cedar Hill is situated eighteen miles south- 
west of Dallas, and in 1856 experienced a sad fate 
of being blown away by a storm, leaving only two 
houses, killing most of the people. I remember well 
the look of that angry cloud and the awful stories 
told by our people that went from our neighborhood 
to help bury the dead. Many stories were told that 
seemed also incredible, but nevertheless true. 

Cedar Hill is situated upon a lofty rolling hill, and 
the scenery surrounding this town is truly grand. 
Such magnificent sceneries cannot be vv^itnessed from 
any other point in the country. 

The schools are good, and the several religious 
denominations have good church houses. Some of 
the most enterprising citizens of the county live in 
this little town. Joe H. Stewart, that served us as 
District Clerk for eight years, is an old citizen of 
Cedar Hill, and has lived here for more than thirty 
years. He is a native of North Carolina. He is 
known, and favorably known, throughout the coun- 
try. He is affable, congenial and a talented gentle- 
man, and his friends are almost without number. 
The soil around Cedar Hill is very good for small 
grain and cotton. It is a mixture of white lime and 
black soil. Cedar Hill is also a fine shipping point. 



PLANO 

Is situated on the Houston and Texas Central 
Railroad, about twenty miles north of Dallas, in Col- 



Sixty Years In Texas. 383 

lin County, a few miles north of the north hne of 
Dallas County, and is so closely identified with Dallas 
that we would like to claim her as one of Dallas 
County's prosperous and growing towns. She has 
the H. & T. C. and the Cotton Belt Railroads, that 
give her an outlet both north, south, east and west. 
She also has the Dallas and Sherman Interurban 
road, with cars passing every half hour. The coun- 
try that surrounds Piano is probably the best and 
richest blackland county in North Texas. It is sim- 
ilar to the country around Richardson, and thought 
by many to be the richest and best body of black 
land in the United States. Many of the farmers 
around Piano are wealthy, and Piano is a thriving, 
hustling, up-to-date town of probably 2,500 inhab- 
itants or more, and has most of the conveniences of 
larger cities. She has good school houses and up- 
to-date schools, and the several different denomina- 
tions have good churches, and Piano does a large 
trade with Dallas. 

When my father and family came to Dallas Coun- 
ty and settled about ten miles west of where Piano 
now stands the land then was considered worthless 
on account of it being so far from timber, and in 
later years much of it was located by land certificates 
that were floating around, the cost being from 
fifteen to twenty-five cents per acre. Some of the 
same land has sold in recent years as high as $100 
per acre, and not many of the farmers care to sell at 
all. A black-land farm near Piano is a mine of 
wealth, and those that work it receive bountiful and 
rich returns. 



MESQUITE 

Is a thriving little town of a thousand or fifteen 
hundred people, situated on a high prairie twelve 



384 Sixty Years In Texas. 

miles east of Dallas, on the Texas & Pacific Railroad. 
It was established in 1872, as a railroad station. 
Being located in a rich prairie country, it soon took 
rapid growth, and developed into an attractive little 
town. The first settlers were Major Bradfield, the 
station agent, and J. J. Gallaher. There was but lit- 
tle improvement at that time in the surrounding 
country. It was a wild prairie. But now it is a well- 
improved country. Neat looking farm houses and 
a prosperous people. The lamented R. S, Kim- 
brough did a great deal for Mesquite during his life 
time. He was a very public spirited man, and Mes- 
quite lost one of her best and most useful citizens 
when R. S. Kimbrough died ; but Mesquite has many 
public spirited and enterprising citizens now. The 
Honorable J. C. Rugel has served in the State Legis- 
lature, and has had a career of honor. Four or five 
different denominations have creditable church 
buildings, and the school at this place is the pride of 
the citizens, and Mesquite is also a good cotton mar- 
ket, and it is also a first-class shipping place for 
small grain, cotton and cattle. 

Mesquite is surrounded by a rich and beautiful 
country, and her people are prosperous, and their 
farms well improved. 

GEORGE JACKSON. 



NOV 28 1908 



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